Chaotic function generator: Complex dynamics and its control in a loss-modulated Nd:YAG laser

The complex dynamics resulting from electronic feedback of a laser’s intensity are explored and characterized. Distinct stable and chaotic regimes can be elicited from the laser by tuning the bias of the feedback loop. An additional branch of the feedback loop, containing a derivative filter, provides access to new kinds of dynamics, including a more gradual transition to chaos. The whole feedback network together allows the laser dynamics to be selected from among a wide range of chaotic wave forms distinguished by statistical or spectral information. In other words, this laser system can be used as a tunable generator of chaotic functions.