Dynamics-induced asymmetries in the nonlinear gain of semiconductor lasers on multimode operation

In this paper, we show how the "Bogatov effect" can be included in a robust way into a multimode rate equations model that takes account of multi-wave mixing effects through dynamical gratings burned in the carrier distribution. We reveal how this dynamics might induce changes in the shape of the gain curve which ultimately manifests itself as operation of the laser on modes that do not correspond to the maximum of the gain curve. We also discuss the crucial role played by the carrier diffusion and introduce an intuitive visual approach to identify the phase-matching conditions that lead to the Bogatov effect. This information may be used to identify and interpret any eventual carrier dynamics induced bifurcation in the spectrum of the multimode laser.