Phase synchronization dynamics of a mutually coupled laser system for quantum random number generation

We performed an experimental and numerical study of an Indium Phosphide photonic integrated circuit designed for quantum random number generation. We investigated the dynamics of two weakly mutually coupled semiconductor lasers and the transient evolution towards the synchronization of the lasers’ optical phases. The simulated dynamics with the experimentally adjusted parameters were found to be in qualitatively good agreement with the experimental time traces. The results provide a better understanding of the evolution towards synchronization and a foundation for the optimization of the photonic quantum random number generation system.