Parallel optical chaos generation and ultrafast photonic decision-making based on a single quantum dot spin-VCSEL

Photonic systems are gaining recognition for their potential to enable ultrafast, parallel decision-making in secure communications and artificial intelligence. However, existing systems often struggle with complex hardware and the generation of reliable, high-speed signals. Chaotic lasers, due to their nonlinearity and broad output, offer a promising solution to these challenges. In this study, we introduce a free-running quantum dot (QD) spin-vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (spin-VCSEL) that generates four channels of chaotic polarized light. These outputs exhibit low correlation and are free from time delay signatures, overcoming traditional chaotic signal generation limitations. We analyze the influence of key laser parameters—pump intensity, polarization ellipticity, and intra-dot relaxation rate—on chaotic dynamics. Applied to the multi-armed bandit problem, this multi-channel system demonstrates significantly enhanced decision-making speed and robustness over single-channel configurations. These findings underscore the potential of QD spin-VCSELs as high-performance, compact platforms for parallel photonic decision-making, advancing the development of next-generation intelligent processing technologies. •Parallel chaotic signal generation is achieved in a single QD spin-VCSEL.•The influence of key parameters on the dynamics is revealed.•The multi-armed bandit problem is addressed with the proposed structure.