Dynamics of Quantum-Dot Lasers Subject to External Optical Feedback

External optical feedback (EOF) is a well-known mechanism that reshapes the laser dynamics. In several laser systems, a feedback strength below 1% (−20 dB) is able to trigger complex nonlinear dynamics such as periodic or chaotic oscillations. Those complex dynamics are highly desired for some applications such as secure communication, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system, microwave photonics, parallel random number generation, compressive sensing, and speckle-free imaging. However, for applications like photonic integrated circuits (PIC) based high-speed optical interconnects, those dynamics are usually detrimental to their operational stability. In this chapter, experimental investigations are performed to study the dynamics of quantum-dot (QD) and quantum-dash (QDash) lasers subject to EOF. Design rules for developing reflection-resistant source for PIC are also discussed.