IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics · 1985 · 497 citations · 13 references
Natural SciencesElectrical EngineeringPhysicsOpticsOptoelectronicsQuantum MechanicsCoherenceInterferometryLaser DiodesLaser PhysicsOptical Properties Of SemiconductorsSemiconductor LasersCoherence FunctionsCoherence LengthDelay EffectsLaser CoherenceMichelson InterferometerQuantum CoherenceSingle-mode LasersSingle-mode Semiconductor Lasers
The study connects the observed coherence collapse to recently suggested chaotic behavior. The authors measured coherence with a Michelson interferometer, showing a 1000‑fold reduction in coherence length, and developed a self‑consistent theory attributing collapse to optical‑feedback‑delay effects rather than quantum fluctuations. The study reports up to 25 GHz line broadening and a 1000‑fold reduction in coherence length, with theoretical predictions matching measurements qualitatively and reasonably quantitatively.
Line broadening up to 25 GHz in a single-mode semiconductor laser with relatively strong optical feedback is reported and theoretically analyzed. Measurements of the coherence function were performed using a Michelson interferometer and demonstrate that the coherence length decreases by a factor 1000 (to approximately 10 mm) due to optical feedback. A self-consistent theoretical description is given, which is based on the view that coherence collapse is maintained due to optical-feedback-delay effects, in which quantum fluctuations play no role of importance. A connection with recently suggested chaotic behavior is made. The theoretical results obtained are in good qualitative and reasonable quantitative agreement with measurements.
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