Chaos and synchronization of self-pulsating laser diodes

It is shown theoretically that synchronization between two chaotic self-pulsating laser diodes can be achieved by use of optical feedback levels of a few percent. The sensitivity of the synchronization to parameter changes is examined. Asynchronization scheme that utilizes self-pulsating compact disc laser diodes could produce low-cost stand-alone transmitters and receivers for private communication systems. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 140.5960, 140.1540, 190.0190, 190.3100, 140.2020, 140.3460.