We theoretically study polarization dynamics in the multitransverse-mode regime of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser subject to isotropic optical feedback. The contribution of each polarized transverse mode to the dynamics is elucidated. Polarization dynamics at fast time scales shows that polarized transverse modes demonstrate erratic pulsing. Anticorrelation between the two orthogonally polarized states is found. However, positive correlation between the orthogonal polarizations of the higher-order transverse mode appears. We also find a dynamical regime that shares many of the characteristics of the low frequency fluctuations. This regime corresponds to the onset of the external cavity peak and its harmonics in the polarized power spectra. Good agreement with recent experimental work [H. Lin et al., Phys. Rev. A 77, 033813 (2008)] has been found.

• Received 3 June 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.78.033828