Characteristics of external phase locking of optically coupled lasers with a short-range interaction

An investigation is reported of external phase locking of optically coupled lasers, combined to form a ring and a linear array. A random scatter of the resonance frequencies and external noise is assumed. The theory of critical phenomena is used in simulation of the evolution of lasing in separate modules. It is shown that, depending on the real coupling coefficient, an increase in the detuning of the resonance frequencies of the modules and in the power of the external noise may result in either simultaneous suppression of lasing or in dephasing of the laser fields, leading to loss of the phase locking. The parameters of the injected signal and the laser characteristics essential for phase-locked operation are determined. A comparative analysis is made of a laser array with external phase locking and ‘each with every other’ coupling and also for an uncoupled laser array.