Quantum-dot micropillar lasers with optoelectronic feedback

Abstract:

In this talk, an integrated optoelectronic feedback system based on semiconductor quantum dots embedded in microcavities is presented and investigated. The device consists of an electrically driven microlaser that is optically coupled to monolithically integrated photodetectors, implementing a highly nonlinear, stochastic, time-delayed system. The microlaser operates close to the few-photon quantum-limit, leading to strong spontaneous emission noise. Together with the time-delayed photodetector feedback signal, rich nonlinear dynamics can be observed.

A rate-equation model is introduced that described the observed dynamics qualitatively. The observed self-pulsing and chaotic dynamics is shown to stem from the interplay of the fast electronic delay timescale and a slow thermal recovery timescale of the microlaser temperature. The results are promising for exploring chaos in ultra-compact nanophotonic systems and for technological approaches towards chaos-based secure communication, random number generation, and self-pulsing single photon sources on a highly integrated semiconductor platform.