The statistics of power dropouts in semiconductor lasers subjected to delay
ed optical feedback have been numerically investigated using the Lang-Kobay
ashi model. The data from the numerical simulations have then been used to
calculate the probability distribution functions, mean values, and return m
aps of the time that elapses between dropouts. In addition, the transition
from the "low frequency fluctuation" to the "coherence collapse" regime has
also been investigated. The numerical simulations compare well with both e
xperimental results, obtained from multilongitudinal mode lasers, and analy
tical results obtained from other theoretical models. Evidence of "excitabi
lity" within the Lang-Kobayashi model is also reported. [S1063-651X(99)1630
5-0].