Abstract:
Limit Cycle oscillators are used to model a broad range of periodic nonlinear phenomena. Using
the optically injected semiconductor oscillator as a paradigm, we have demonstrated that at specific
islands in the optical frequency detuning and injection level map, Period One Limit Cycle oscillation
frequency is simultaneously insensitive to multiple perturbation sources. In our system these include
the temperature fluctuations experienced by the master and slave lasers as well as fluctuations in the
bias current applied to the slave laser. Tuning of the oscillation frequency then depends only on the
injected optical field amplitude. Experimental measurements are in good quantitative agreement with
numerical modeling and analysis based on a reduced Adler}} phase dynamics type equations. These
special operating regions should prove valuable for developing ultra-stable nonlinear oscillators, such as
sharp linewidth, frequency tunable photonic microwave oscillators. Finally the concept of an Isochron
originally developed in mathematical biology will be reviewed and placed on context for efficient design
of stable frequency sources in systems of optically coupled limit cycles oscillators [1,2].