Dynamics-dependent synchronization in on-chip coupled semiconductor lasers

Synchronization properties of chaotic dynamics in two mutually coupled semiconductor lasers with optical feedback embedded in a photonic integrated circuit are investigated from the point of view of their dynamical content. A phenomenon in which the two lasers can show qualitatively different synchronization properties according to the frequency range of investigation and their nonlinear dynamics is identified and termed dynamics-dependent synchronization. In-phase synchronization is observed for original signals and antiphase synchronization is observed for low-pass filtered signals in the case where one of the lasers shows chaotic oscillations while the other laser exhibits low-frequency fluctuations dynamics. The experimental conditions causing the synchronization states to vary according to the considered frequency interval are studied and the key roles of asymmetric coupling strength and injection currents are clarified.