Nullified time-of-flight lead-lag in synchronization of chaotic external-cavity laser diodes

Synchronization of three chaotic diode lasers is effected in a transmitter-mediator-receiver configuration. The transmitter laser's output is bidirectionally coupled to the mediator laser to achieve anticipating synchronization in their output intensities. The mediator laser's output is unidirectionally coupled to the receiver laser to achieve lag synchronization in their output intensities. This combination of lead and lag synchronization nullifies the time-of-flight lead-lag in synchronization between the transmitter and receiver lasers. This approach provides a means of eliminating time-of-flight delays in the synchronization of remote transmitters and receivers.