Yannis Kominis
School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences
National Technical University of Athens
Abstract: Photonic oscillators, consisting of coupled semiconductor lasers, are nonlinear systems possessing a remarkably rich set of complex dynamical features that play a key role as multi-functional, tunable elements for numerous technological applications. Their dynamical properties include the existence of stable phase-locking, limit cycles, cascades of bifurcations, and chaotic behavior. It is shown that their stability, output waveforms, and oscillation frequencies can be radically tuned by utilizing the asymmetry of the individual lasers via differential pumping as well as optical frequency detuning. Moreover, their response under external driving is shown to have many interesting features, such as sharp resonances and antiresonances, spectral signatures of exceptional points, and complex synchronization characteristics.