Stochastic polarization dynamics in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers described by simple rate equations

Bob Nagler; Jan Danckaert; Jan Albert; Michael Peeters; Krassimir P. Panajotov; Irina P. Veretennicoff; Thomas Erneux

doi:10.1117/12.432575

9 July 2001 Stochastic polarization dynamics in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers described by simple rate equations

Bob Nagler, Jan Danckaert, Jan Albert, Michael Peeters, Krassimir P. Panajotov, Irina P. Veretennicoff, Thomas Erneux

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4283, Physics and Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices IX; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.432575
Event: Symposium on Integrated Optics, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Current driven switching between two orthogonal linear polarizations in the fundamental mode of VCSELs is the object of intensive experimental and theoretical work. We developed a model based on the experimental evidence that the gain/loss difference between the two modes is an important factor in polarization switching. We analytically and numerically study a nearly-degenerate two-mode intensity rate equation model. The gain coefficients we use are current dependent and gain saturation with increasing optical power is also taken into account. Two types of stationary solutions emerge: pure-mode solutions (one mode lases) and mixed mode solutions (both modes lase). Stability analysis shows that when the gains equalize, switching between the two pure-mode solutions occurs. The nonlinear gain induces a region of bistability around the switching point. Taking into account the different time scales present in the model and using asymptotic techniques, we can further reduce the model to a single dynamical equation, which can be solved analytically. Stochastic effects (e.g. due to spontaneous emission) can be incorporated in this 1D Langevin-type equation. This allows us to explain the mode hopping in terms of a First Passage Time over the potential barrier in a double potential well.

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Bob Nagler, Jan Danckaert, Jan Albert, Michael Peeters, Krassimir P. Panajotov, Irina P. Veretennicoff, and Thomas Erneux "Stochastic polarization dynamics in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers described by simple rate equations", Proc. SPIE 4283, Physics and Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices IX, (9 July 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.432575

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