Pulse propagation in a 1D array of excitable semiconductor lasers.

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear dynamics
• Quantum optics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Nonlinear pulse propagation is key in excitable systems.
• Its persistence in coupled systems is anticipated.
• Excitable semiconductor lasers offer a platform for studying these phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate nonlinear pulse propagation.
• To analyze pulse dynamics in a 1D array of evanescently coupled excitable semiconductor lasers.
• To characterize pulse speed and instabilities as a function of coupling strength.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of pulse propagation.
• Analysis of hopping dynamics.
• Characterization of average pulse speed and bifurcation diagrams.
• Investigation of instabilities and symmetry breaking.

Main Results:

• Pulse propagation is characterized by hopping dynamics.
• Average pulse speed and bifurcation diagrams vary with coupling strength.
• Onset/disappearance of propagation and spontaneous symmetry breaking were observed.
• Propagation modes are specific to the discrete nature of the laser array.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals unique pulse propagation characteristics in discrete coupled excitable laser arrays.
• Hopping dynamics and coupling-dependent instabilities are key features.
• These findings are specific to the discrete nature of the system.