Control of neuromorphic dynamics in two state quantum dot lasers

Quantum dot (QD) lasers display the unique ability to lase from multiple energy states [1]. Depending on pump current a QD laser can lase from the ground state (GS), from the first excited state (ES), or simultaneously from both. Although a lot of work has been done investigating the neuromorphic dynamics for the GS state, very little has been done involving the ES. In [2] antiphase ES and GS bursting intensity oscillations were reported while in [3], a novel Type I dual state excitable dynamic was reported. Here we show that we can controllably produce GS dark pulses and an associated ES bright pulse using sufficiently large perturbations to deterministically trigger them. We also identify and show techniques that can be used to control the number of spikes in the bursts and the refractory time in the dual state excitability.