Laser Dynamics:

Our work is focussed on the nonlinear dynamics observed with semiconductor lasers. Given the ubiquity of semiconductor lasers in technology, understanding the dynamical behaviour of these devices is crucial for applications. Semiconductor laser systems also provide excellent playgrounds for researchers of nonlinear dynamics in general and coupled oscillators in particular, with exotic phenomena such as chimera states and canard explosions appearing naturally.

We study many different configurations including optical injection, mutual coupling, delayed feedback and mode-locking. A common feature of most of our work is pulsing laser dynamics. We look at pulsing lasers in excitable neuromorphic regimes; for optical frequency comb generation via gain-switching or passive mode-locking; and to generate pulses on demand for quantum technology. The group works extremely closely with the Integrated Photonics Group of Frank Peters.

There are currently three principal areas of interest in the group.

• Dynamics of coupled lasers in photonic integrated circuits
• Neuromorphic dynamics
• Quantum dot lasers

Photonic Integrated Circuits:

With Frank Peters’ Integrated Photonics Group, we study coherent comb generation using mutually coupled on-chip lasers, a system that is both rich in nonlinear dynamics and important for multiple technological applications. We also analyse integrated excitable laser systems and pulse-on-demand systems for quantum technology.

Neuromorphic Dynamics:

Neuromorphic photonics is an emerging field where photonic systems are used to mimic the behaviour of neurons. We study systems of coupled lasers and the emergence and control of excitable spiking regimes. Recently we have started to study Ising machine like behaviour using dual state quantum dot lasers undergoing optical injection in collaboration with Guy Van der Sande in the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).

Quantum Dot Lasers:

The non-linear dynamics of quantum-dot lasers continues to be a topic of great interest. The localised quantum-dot states and the nonlinear charge-carrier scattering processes modify the laser dynamics compared to conventional laser devices leading to many novel phenomena, unique in semiconductor laser systems. We analyse single-mode, multimode and mode-locked devices, with a particular focus on neuromorphic behaviour and optical frequency comb generation.