Dynamic behavior and onset of low-dimensional chaos in a modulated homogeneously broadened single-mode laser: Experiments and theory

This is a detailed experimental study of the dynamical behavior of a CO2 laser with modulated losses. We describe the observation of period-doubling transitions into chaos that are in good agreement with the predictions of the theory of one-dimensional maps and give examples of temporal evolutions, phase-space portraits, power spectra, and Poincaré sections. With the help of bifurcation diagrams we provide evidence for the appearance of generalized multistability. We also discuss the results of dimensionality tests that we have carried out on both our experimental data and corresponding numerical simulations based on the Maxwell-Bloch equations after the adiabatic elimination of the polarization. We conclude with an evaluation of the Kolmogorov entropy. © 1986 The American Physical Society.