Title: Visualizing the Phase-Space Dynamics of an External Cavity Semiconductor Laser,
Abstract: We map the phase-space trajectories of an external-cavity semiconductor laser
using phase portraits. This is both a visualization tool as well as a
thoroughly quantitative approach enabling unprecedented insight into the
dynamical regimes, from continuous-wave through coherence collapse as feedback
is increased. Namely, the phase portraits in the intensity versus laser-diode
terminal-voltage (serving as a surrogate for inversion) plane are mapped out.
We observe a route to chaos interrupted by two types of limit cycles, a
subharmonic regime and period-doubled dynamics at the edge of chaos. The
transition of the dynamics are analyzed utilizing bifurcation diagrams for both
the optical intensity and the laser-diode terminal voltage. These observations
provide visual insight into the dynamics in these systems.