Nonlinear Dynamics of Multiple Quantum Well Lasers: Chaos and Multistability

This thesis presents analytical and numerical results from studies based on the multiple quantum well laser rate equation model. We address the problem of controlling chaos produced by direct modulation of laser diodes. We consider the delay feedback control methods for this purpose and study their performance using numerical simulation. Besides the control of chaos, control of other nonlinear effects such as quasiperiodicity and bistability using delay feedback methods are also investigated.A number of secure communication schemes based on synchronization of chaos semiconductor lasers have been successfully demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. The current investigations in these field include the study of practical issues on the implementations of such encryption schemes. We theoretically study the issues such as channel delay, phase mismatch and frequency detuning on the synchronization of chaos in directly modulated laser diodes. It would be helpful for designing and implementing chaotic encryption schemes using synchronization of chaos in modulated semiconductor lasers.

Singlet Oxygen in Microporous Silica Xerogel:Quantum Yield and Oxidation at the Gas–Solid Interface

The quantum yields of singlet oxygen production and lifetimes at the gas–solid interface in silica gel material are determined. Different photosensitizers (PS) are encapsulated in parallelepipedic xerogel monoliths (PS-SG). PS were chosen according to their known photooxidation properties: 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA), 9,10-anthraquinone (ANT), and a benzophenone derivative, 4-benzoyl benzoic acid (4BB). These experiments are mainly based on time-resolved 1O2 phosphorescence detection, and the obtained FD and tD values are compared with those of a reference sensitizer for production, 1H-phenalen-1- one (PN), included in the same xerogel. The trend between their ability to oxidize organic pollutants in the gas phase and their efficiency for production is investigated through photooxidation experiments of a test pollutant dimethylsulfide (DMS). The FD value is high for DCA-SG relative to the PN reference, whereas it is slightly lower for 4BB-SG and for ANT-SG. FD is related to the production of sulfoxide and sulfone as the main oxidation products for DMS photosensitized oxidation. Additional mechanisms, leading to C!S bond cleaveage, appear to mainly occur for the less efficient singlet oxygen sensitizers 4BB-SG and ANTSG.

Luminescence from Surfactant-Free ZnO Quantum Dots Prepared by Laser Ablation in Liquid

Highly transparent, luminescent and biocompatible ZnO quantum dots were prepared in water, methanol, and ethanol using liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation technique without using any surfactant. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the formation of good crystalline ZnO quantum dots with a uniform size distribution of 7 nm. The emission wavelength could be varied by varying the native defect chemistry of ZnO quantum dots and the laser fluence. Highly luminescent nontoxic ZnO quantum dots have exciting application potential as florescent probes in biomedical applications.