Multistability and chaos in a negative-feedback laser

A theoretical analysis is made of the dynamics of a laser with the loss factor dependent on the density of the output radiation passing through an external feedback loop. Asymptotic solutions are obtained of differential–difference equations describing such a laser. The existence of multistable states representing a set of periodic regimes is demonstrated. The regions of existence of pulsations of radiation with different frequencies, amplitudes, and profiles are found and the initial conditions facilitating the appearance of these pulsations are identified. Chaotization of the dynamics of the system via a sequence of period-doubling bifurcations is predicted. Studies are made of the statistical properties of the resultant strange attractor.