Abstract

It has been known for many years that semiconductor lasers are highly susceptible to optical feedback. Whether the feedback is intentional, for example an external cavity laser configuration, or unintentional as in the case of back-reflections from lenses and fibre splices in optical communications systems, it is imperative to be able to predict the level of feedback which is tolerable for a particular system. Excessive feedback can lead to fluctuations and even chaotic dynamics in the light output.

© 2000 IEEE