Abstract

We discuss the dynamics of nonlinearly coupled arrays of mode-locked ultrashort pulse lasers as influenced by small perturbations of the nonlinear coupling parameters. We examine the experimentally observed case, where soliton-like pulse shaping is important and one nonlinear coupling mechanism is attractive and a second nonlinear coupling mechanism is repulsive, as regards the temporal relationship of the pulses in neighboring laser oscillators.¹ Small adjustments of the coupling parameters can be used to produce a rich variety of complex dynamical behavior of the coupled system. Of particular interest is the possibility of highly agile beam steering of the coherent optical emission from a two dimensional array of such nonlinearly coupled mode-locked laser oscillators. Large angular range, well defined emission patterns, rapid motion of the beam, and hardware based on compact semiconductor laser components appear accessible by using currently evolving technology. We describe recent experimental results relevant to two such nonlinearly coupled lasers and calculate the properties of larger arrays.

© 1992 Optical Society of America