MODULATION OF A 2-MODEL LASER

We analyze a two-mode laser; described by rate equations, whose gain i s periodically modulated. The nature of the response varies significan tly with the modulation amplitude. We study both the small modulation in which the pump parameter remains always above the lasing threshold for the second mode, and the deep modulation in which the pump paramet er is located during part of the,cycle between the single-mode and the two-mode thresholds. Apart from the strong McCumber nonlinear resonan ce at the relaxation oscillation frequency, we describe a rich variety of nonlinear properties such as multistability among periodic and qua si-periodic solutions, and small resonances in the vicinity of the sec ond (and lower) internal frequency. We also identify domains that sugg est the occurrence of the traditional routes to chaos.