Vortex solitons in lasers with feedback

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Optics
• Nonlinear Dynamics

Background:

• Broad area vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSELs) are crucial for high-power applications.
• Understanding spatiotemporal dynamics in VECSELs is essential for optimizing device performance.
• Frequency-selective feedback influences laser dynamics and spatial pattern formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the existence, stability, and dynamics of two-dimensional self-localized vortices in a simplified laser model.
• To construct the complete bifurcation diagram for vortex solutions.
• To characterize the various dynamical regimes exhibited by these vortices.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mathematical model coupling a laser rate equation with a linear equation for the feedback field.
• Analysis of the model in the limit of zero delay for VECSELs with external frequency-selective feedback.
• Construction of the bifurcation diagram to systematically map vortex solutions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the existence of two-dimensional self-localized vortices with azimuthal numbers up to 4.
• Characterized the stability and dynamical properties of these vortex solutions.
• Identified and described different dynamical regimes within the bifurcation diagram.

Conclusions:

• The model effectively describes the spatiotemporal dynamics of VECSELs with frequency-selective feedback.
• Stable, self-localized vortices are a significant feature of this laser system.
• The findings provide a foundation for understanding complex spatiotemporal patterns in lasers.