The inclusion of spectral cross-relaxation terms, which stem from strong velocity-changing collisions, in the low-dimensional equations, which describe the dynamics of a single-mode, inhomogeneously broadened, unidirectional ring laser, is shown to bring noticeable modifications to the low-excitation self-pulsing phenomena which occur in bad-cavity-configured high-gain lasers. The added cross-relaxation terms are shown to reduce both the first and the second laser threshold. These terms are also shown to modify the pulsation wave forms, and to greatly affect the hierarchy of the dynamical behavior.

• Received 15 October 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.47.4430