Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser transition and laser action on scar modes in semiconductor diode lasers with deformed resonators

Measurements of the optical spectra of semiconductor injection lasers with deformed cylinder resonators show strong indications of the classical Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser transition from integrability to chaos for devices with small deformation. At larger deformation, evidence for laser action on scar modes is obtained. The diode lasers operate with TE polarization, resulting in laser action on (partially) chaotic whispering-gallery modes for all deformations. (C) 2002 Optical Society of America.