Observations of the dynamics of a single-mode, traveling-wave laser under bad-cavity conditions are reported. The sequence of instabilities occurring on resonator tuning corresponds in detail to the transition to chaos of the logistic equation. Period-doubling cascade, reverse ("noisy") cascade, and the regular period-3 and -5 windows in the chaotic range are observed. At presumably homogeneous broadening conditions the transition from cw to chaotic emission is abrupt on pump variation. All of the observed features including instability pump thresholds and characteristics of the chaotic laser pulses agree with predictions of the Lorenz equations.

• Received 18 April 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.57.2804