Multiple feedback effects in asymmetric external cavity semiconductor lasers

Multiple feedback effects on the output power and spectral characteristics of an external cavity semiconductor laser with asymmetric feedback induced by misalignment of an external mirror are discussed. The external mirror tilt modifies the round-trip phase condition as well as the coupling efficiency. Undulation in power as a function of external mirror tilt have been observed. At particular tilt angles where strong interaction between odd-order round-trip beams and even-order round-trip beams occurs, unique optical spectra featuring double peaks within a compound-cavity mode spectrum or uneven compound-cavity mode spacings have been observed. A quasi-static model for asymmetric external cavity systems explains qualitatively the power undulations and complex spectral characteristics. The model also predicts the existence of two nearby phase-matched mode groups, which may result in complex and chaotic instabilities.