The dynamical behavior of two mutually coupled semiconductor lasers is studied. An optoelectronic coupling including a time delay in the propagation of the signals between the two lasers is considered. Starting from the appropriate rate equations for the photon and carrier densities, we investigate the stability of the fixed points and limit cycles of the system as a function of the coupling strength and the propagation time. From this analysis, a quasiperiodic route to chaos with boundary crisis events is identified as the responsible mechanism leading the system from regular to complex behavior. Several interesting phenomena are predicted for this system. Our analytical and numerical results are supported by experiments which are in good agreement with our predictions.

• Received 3 March 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.70.046216