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Polarization Dynamics in VCSELs Under Sinusoidal Signal Modulation around the Polarization Switching point

Salah Guessoum, Tushar Malica, Athanasios Kyriazis, Jürgen Van Erps, Geert Van Steenberge, Martin Virte

Abstract

Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) combine compact geometry, low threshold current, and ease of integration, making them central to modern photonic systems. However, their polarization behavior remains a critical factor affecting performance, as the emission state can switch between orthogonally polarized modes around the so-called polarization switching point. This regime exhibits high sensitivity, where small perturbations induce abrupt polarization changes and nonlinear responses. In this work, the polarization dynamics of VCSELs under sinusoidal current modulation around the switching point are numerically investigated using the Spin-Flip Model. The study examines the influence of modulation frequency, amplitude, and bias current, revealing distinct dynamical regimes including polarization locking, periodic and irregular switching. The observed transitions between regimes elucidate the interplay between modulation and polarization stability, providing insight into the control of VCSEL dynamics for high-speed optical communication and sensing applications.

Polarization Dynamics in VCSELs Under Sinusoidal Signal Modulation around the Polarization Switching point

Abstract

Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) combine compact geometry, low threshold current, and ease of integration, making them central to modern photonic systems. However, their polarization behavior remains a critical factor affecting performance, as the emission state can switch between orthogonally polarized modes around the so-called polarization switching point. This regime exhibits high sensitivity, where small perturbations induce abrupt polarization changes and nonlinear responses. In this work, the polarization dynamics of VCSELs under sinusoidal current modulation around the switching point are numerically investigated using the Spin-Flip Model. The study examines the influence of modulation frequency, amplitude, and bias current, revealing distinct dynamical regimes including polarization locking, periodic and irregular switching. The observed transitions between regimes elucidate the interplay between modulation and polarization stability, providing insight into the control of VCSEL dynamics for high-speed optical communication and sensing applications.
Paper Structure (5 sections, 1 equation, 7 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 5 sections, 1 equation, 7 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Simulation model and parameters
  3. Dynamical Regimes under current modulation
  4. Influence of injection current offset and modulation amplitude
  5. Conclusion

Figures (7)

  • Figure 1: Polarization-resolved output power under DC bias sweeps. (a) Increasing and (b) decreasing bias current sweeps show a hysteresis loop that marks the polarization switching region between X-LP and Y-LP modes. The highlighted region in panel (a) indicates the emergence of complex dynamical behavior associated with a change in the underlying attractor during the switching mechanism.
  • Figure 2: Temporal evolution of the polarization state of the X-LP (blue) and Y-LP (orange) under sinusoidal modulation, illustrating the four dynamical regimes: (I) deterministic switching, (II) partial switching, (III) polarization locking, and (IV) stochastic behaviour. Each subplot corresponds to a different modulation frequency, with constant modulation amplitude and bias current. The horizontal timescale is adjusted to display a similar number of periods.
  • Figure 3: Probability of polarization switching (PS), X-LP dominance and Y-LP dominance as a function of modulation frequency at $\mu = 1.55$. Dominance is defined as exceeding 70% of the total output power.
  • Figure 4: Colormaps summarizing the VCSEL response as a function of modulation frequency and injection current at a modulation amplitude of 0.3. Colormaps a, b, and c show respectively the polarization switching percentage, the fraction of X-LP dominance, and the fraction of Y-LP dominance. Colormaps d and e show, respectively, the average output powers of the X-LP and Y-LP components.
  • Figure 5: Colormaps summarizing the evolution of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the current modulation waveform and the polarization-resolved time series, following the X linear polarization (panel a) and Y linear polarization (panel b), shown as a function of modulation frequency and injection current.
  • ...and 2 more figures