Experimental and numerical intensity time series of an optically injected solid state laser

The dynamics of an optically injected solid state Nd:YVO4 laser is studied using intensity time series analysis. Experimental time series are demonstrated to be in good agreement with the rate equation model of an injected class B laser if α ≃ 0.35 is chosen for the linewidth enhancement factor in the model. Asymmetry in the dynamics is observed; the route to locking is via a Hopf bifurcation above and via a saddle-node bifurcation below the symmetric locking region.