Temporal pattern generation with tunable repetition rate using semiconductor laser periodic dynamics

Abstract: In this work, a long-cavity semiconductor laser subject to optical feedback is exploited to generate repetitive temporal patterns with enhanced intra-pattern sample diversity. Stable limit cycle dynamics characterized by multiple frequency harmonics are experimentally demonstrated by considering a 2 m external cavity with appropriate optical feedback conditions. This simple configuration can enable stable and continuous generation of periodic waveforms with a tunable repetition rate ranging from 3.28 to 4.21 GHz. Distinct, highly consistent temporal patterns are obtained by applying high-pass filtering to adjust the relative power of the harmonics. The resulting system operates as a physical waveform generator capable of producing diverse and repeatable signal patterns, making it well-suited for use in the masking stage of time delay reservoir computing architectures.