Stable Periodic Dynamics of Reduced Sensitivity to Perturbations in Optically Injected Semiconductor Lasers

Generating a stable oscillating frequency is the main purpose of any oscillator. We investigate operating points of the optically injected semiconductor laser where inherent stable-frequency limit-cycle oscillations can be found. Oscillation frequencies at these operational points have favorable phase-noise and jitter characteristics over a wide microwave frequency tuning range. Regions of operating points that reduce the sensitivity of the limit-cycle oscillation frequency to fluctuations in the injection strength, the detuning frequency, or the bias current are mapped for the period-one and period-two dynamics regions. Limit-cycle oscillations that are insensitive to fluctuations in two or more control parameters are also demonstrated, showing the optimal operating points for the optically injected laser system.