Self-pulsing dynamics in microscopic lasers with dispersive mirrors

We show that a passive dispersive reflector integrated into a semiconductor laser can be used to tailor the laser dynamics for the generation of ultrashort pulses as well as stable dual-mode lasing. We analyze the stability using a general model that applies to any laser with frequency-dependent mirror losses. Finally, we present a generalization of the Fano laser concept, which provides a flexible platform for tailoring the mirror dispersion for self-pulsing. In addition to functioning as a design guideline, our model also accounts for several results in the literature.