Periodic and chaotic oscillations in mutual-coupled mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers

Dynamic states in mutual-coupled mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) were numerically investigated in the parameter space of injection strength and detuning frequency based on the Lang—Kobayashi equations model. Three types of period-one states were found, with different periods of injection time delay τ_inj, 2τ_inj, and reciprocal of the detuning frequency. Besides, square-wave, quasi-period, pulse-burst and chaotic oscillations were also observed. It is concluded that external-cavity periodic dynamics and optical modes beating are the mainly periodic dynamics. The interaction of the two periodic dynamics and the high-frequency dynamics stimulated by strong injection induces the dynamic states evolution. This work helps to understand the dynamic behaviors in QCLs and shows a new way to mid-infrared wide-band chaotic laser.