title: Phase-space approach to directional switching in semiconductor ring lasers.
abstract: We show that a topological investigation of the phase space of a semiconductor ring laser can be used to devise switching schemes which are alternative to optical pulse injection of counterpropagating light. To provide physical insight in these switching mechanisms, a full bifurcation analysis and an investigation of the topology is performed on a two-dimensional asymptotic model. Numerical simulations confirm the topological predictions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gelens
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van der Sande
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beri
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Danckaert