Nonlinear dynamics of an injected quantum cascade laser

The stability properties of an injected quantum cascade laser are investigated analytically on the basis of current estimates of the laser parameters. We show that in addition to stable locking, Hopf bifurcations leading to pulsating intensities are possible. We discuss the stability diagrams in terms of the detuning and the injection rate for different values of the linewidth enhancement factor. The analysis indicates domains of coexistence between two stable steady states (bistability) or between a stable steady state and stable periodic oscillations. All predictions are verified numerically by determining bifurcation diagrams from the laser rate equations.