The full quantum mechanical master equation for the laser is used to obtain the effect of quantum fluctuations on the Lorenz strange attractor. For small quantum fluctuations the strange attractor survices with a different topology. For larger quantum fluctuations the attractor disappears and is replaced by limit cycles or fixed points, depending on the strength of the fluctuations.

• Received 23 August 1983

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.52.1215