Nonlinear dynamics of self-pulsating laser diodes under external drive

A self-pulsating laser diode under external drive shows the nonlinear dynamical effects of two competing frequencies. One can establish a route to chaos by increasing the modulation current. However, when the modulation frequency is varied, the chaotic state is suddenly destroyed at the harmonic frequencies of the self-pulsating frequency. This approach therefore offers a simple chaotic light source for possible optical chaotic communication.