The study of nonlinear dynamics and noise in optical devices and systems is relevant to existing technological systems such as compact disk players, fiber optic communications, and for the development of new optical switching devices, laser arrays, and display technology. The control and synchronization of nonlinear devices such as lasers are important goals of optical technology. It has recently been demonstrated by us that self-synchronized chaotic lasers can be used for encoding and decoding information-carrying signals using nonlinear dynamical principles. Research on these topics may also lead to conceptual advances in other fields. Considerations of signal-to-noise ratios for nonlinear optical devices can lead to insights and a better understanding of the operation of auditory and visual signal processing in biological systems.

Examples of past projects involving undergraduates that have resulted in publications include: control of a chaotic laser, examination of laser transients, synchronization of chaos in lasers, and tracking of unstable steady states in lasers.

Specific current projects that would be appropriate for undergraduate research are the following:

• We have recently demonstrated communication with dynamically fluctuating states of polarization. Subsequently we have proposed encoding and recovery techniques for communication that will enable communication through turbulent media and optical fibers that are subject to time-dependent mechanical stresses and thermal environmental changes.

• We will develop applications of nonlinear dynamical concepts to enhance multiplexed digital communication. We plan to demonstrate multiplexing of messages through selective synchronization of electronic circuits (for analog speech transmission) and semiconductor and erbium doped fiber lasers (for high speed digital communication).

• Extensions of holography to the spatio-temporal realm are being developed with broad area solid state lasers for the transmission of two-dimensional spatial images with optical wavefronts.

• New techniques are being developed for detecting phase-synchronization of nonlinear dynamical systems such as laser arrays that could impact medical diagnostic procedures for epilepsy.

Additional information about nonlinear dynamics in charged particle beam systems can be found at http://www.ireap.umd.edu/Optical and by contacting Professor Roy at (301)405-1636 or rroy@umd.edu.