Time-delay signature suppression in delayed-feedback semiconductor lasers as a paradigm for feedback control in...

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Optical Engineering
• Complex Systems

Background:

• Physiological systems exhibit self-regulation via feedback loops, with time delays potentially causing complex dynamics.
• Semiconductor lasers with delayed optical feedback display similar time-delay signatures, crucial for suppression in applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate the efficacy of photonic filters in suppressing time-delay signatures in semiconductor lasers.
• To compare the performance of photonic filters on discrete-mode semiconductor lasers versus vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).

Main Methods:

• Experimental application of photonic filters to semiconductor lasers subjected to delayed optical feedback.
• Utilizing discrete-mode semiconductor lasers and VCSELs as test platforms.
• Analyzing the resulting dynamics to assess the suppression of time-delay signatures.

Main Results:

• Photonic filters achieved complete suppression of time-delay signatures in discrete-mode semiconductor lasers.
• A remnant of the time-delay signature persisted in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) even with photonic filter application.

Conclusions:

• Photonic filters are effective in mitigating time-delay signatures in specific semiconductor laser types.
• The study highlights differences in time-delay signature suppression between discrete-mode lasers and VCSELs.
• Findings contribute to understanding complex system dynamics and potential photonic filter applications.