Distance measurement by delayed optical feedback in a ring laser

We numerically study the behavior of a semiconductor ring laser subject to bidirectional delayed optical feedback, when the isolated laser is in the quasi-unidirectional regime. The optical feedback, provided by two external reflectors located in front of the ring output waveguides, can modify the laser regime produced by the cross-saturation between the clockwise and the counter-clockwise mode. Thus, the system exhibits new different regimes, most of which are asymmetric and bidirectional, with alternating dominant mode. Two of these regimes are of special interest in view of applications, because the laser switching period, between the clockwise and the counter-clockwise mode, is linearly related to the time of flight from the laser to one or both reflectors. In these operating conditions, the laser is thus suitable to implement a telemeter. A convenient electrical output signal is obtained by a photodiode located behind one (partially reflecting) fixed mirror, or by measuring the voltage drop across the laser junction. Simulations are performed by mathematical models based on rate-equations, assuming typical literature parameters for a 1 mW ring laser.

Automated summary

We numerically study the behavior of a semiconductor ring laser subject to bidirectional delayed optical feedback in the quasi-unidirectional regime. The optical feedback, provided by two external reflectors, can modify the laser regime produced by the cross-saturation between the clockwise and the counter-clockwise mode. The system exhibits new regimes, most of which are asymmetric and bidirectional, with alternating dominant mode. Two of these regimes are of special interest for applications as the laser switching period is linearly related to the time of flight. The laser can be used as a telemeter with a convenient electrical output signal obtained by a photodiode or by measuring the voltage drop across the laser junction. Simulations are performed based on rate-equations using typical literature parameters for a 1 mW ring laser.