Antimonotonicity and maximal complexity in optically injected two-section lasers

In this paper, we investigate some special dynamic characteristics of two-section semiconductor lasers subject to optical injection. Forward and reverse period-doubling cascades are presented in the parameter space of frequency detuning /spl omega/ and injection strength K, a phenomenon known as antimonotonicity. Furthermore, we investigate the Kaplan-Yorke dimension (D/sub KY/) and the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) of chaotic attractors in this laser setup. It is found that the latter is a dynamical system that can possess a dimension D/sub KY/ anywhere between 2 and close to 4 as the control and material parameters are varied, making it the most complex laser setup using optical injection. Finally, the criteria for achieving a high LLE and a high D/sub KY/ are examined (by varying all possible material and control parameters) and presented with potential applications to chaotic communications.