Detuning Boundaries of Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics in a System of Coupled Lasers

The dynamics in a system of integrated self- and mutually-coupled lasers are analysed. For the first time, we present an overall comparison of the experimental and modelled dynamics of this system as functions of the frequency detuning and coupling magnitude parameters. First, the nontrivial parameters affecting the dynamics, namely the group index and group index dispersion, the relaxation oscillation frequencies of the two lasers, and the coupling magnitude, are calibrated. A transition in dynamics depending on detuning is then demonstrated, for a range of coupling magnitudes, in both the experimental measurements and by using a travelling-wave model of the system. The dynamics are analysed rigorously using the correlation dimension of the time series to identify regions of linear and nonlinear interaction, and distinct dynamic boundaries separating these regions are then calculated. In addition, we show, using results from the travelling-wave model, the profound effect of the coupling phase on the dynamics.