Chaos in a solid-state laser with a periodically modulated pump.

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Laser physics
• Chaos theory

Background:

• Neodymium Phosphate (NdP(5)O(14)) lasers are known for their unique optical properties.
• Understanding laser dynamics under external modulation is crucial for developing advanced laser systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamical behavior of a NdP(5)O(14) laser.
• To explore the effects of periodic intensity modulation on laser emission.
• To identify phenomena such as period-doubling and chaos in modulated laser systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Neodymium Phosphate (NdP(5)O(14)) laser system.
• Employing an Argon-ion (Ar(+)) laser for optical pumping.
• Modulating the pump laser intensity at frequencies near the relaxation-oscillation frequency of the NdP(5)O(14) laser.

Main Results:

• Observed a period-doubling sequence leading to chaotic emission.
• Identified windows of regular pulsing behavior within the chaotic regime.
• Demonstrated complex nonlinear dynamics in the modulated laser system.

Conclusions:

• Periodic modulation of pump intensity can induce complex dynamics, including chaos, in NdP(5)O(14) lasers.
• The laser exhibits rich nonlinear behavior, transitioning between regular and chaotic states.
• Further research into these dynamics can inform laser design and control.