Polarization and transverse mode dynamics of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers under optical injection

This work theoretically studies the effects of the isotropic and polarization selective optical external injection signal on the polarization behaviour of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL). A model is employed that is an extension of the well-know spin-flip model proposed by San Miguel, Feng and Moloney. The model takes in account the spin degree of freedom of carriers in the semiconductor laser quantum well and the spatial dependence of the electrical field and carriers. The model is extended to include optical external injection signal. A rich variety of complex dynamical behaviours is shown by changing the frequency of the injected field and the injection strength, K², given by the ratio between the power injected in a given mode and its free-running modal power.