Dynamics of single mode semiconductor lasers with passive dispersive reflectors

We discuss the impact of a passive dispersive reflector (PDR) on the dynami cal behaviour of a single mode diode laser. It is shown that the PDR enters the single mode equations via two specific functions of the carrier densit y. Depending on the parameters of these functions, the resonance frequency of the laser as well as the damping of its relaxation oscillations become m odified. A bifurcation analysis yields both subcritical and supercritical H opf-bifurcations separating regions of stationary and self-pulsating operat ion. On this basis the conditions for achieving high self-pulsation frequen cies with a large modulation depth are derived. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B .V. All rights reserved.