Laser instabilities in homogeneously broadened dense media - art. no. 053804

We investigate the laser equations in the mean-field limit for a homogeneou sly broadened two-level system, taking into account the local-field correct ion arising from dipole-dipole interactions. Our analysis concentrates on t he dynamical properties of the laser versus the pumping parameter. The effe ct of detuning between atomic and cavity frequencies is also studied. We fi rst show that the local-field correction reduces the range of the chaotic r egime when the frequency detuning is set for minimum instability threshold operation. For a fixed local-field correction, we demonstrate that the symm etry of the dynamical scenario versus the frequency detuning is broken. In addition, we point out generalized bistability between the chaotic regime a nd the off state of the laser. This bistability results from the smallness of the basins of attraction of the off state.