Quantum Dot spin-V(E)CSELs: polarization switching and periodic oscillations

Spin-polarized vertical (external) cavity surface-emitting lasers [Spin-V(E)CSELs] using quantum dot (QD) material for the active region, can display polarization switching between the right- and left-circularly polarized fields via control of the pump polarization. In particular, our previous experimental results have shown that the output polarization ellipticity of the spin-V(E)CSEL emission can exhibit either the same handedness as that of the pump polarization or the opposite, depending on the experimental operating conditions. In this contribution, we use a modified version of the spin-flip model in conjunction with combined time-independent stability analysis and direct time integration. With two representative sets of parameters our simulation results show good agreement with experimental observations. In addition periodic oscillations provide further insight into the dynamic properties of spin-V(E)CSELs.