Synchronization of chaotic mode hopping

We propose and demonstrate a scheme for generating synchronized chaotic mode hopping in two wavelength-tunable lasers whose tuning range covers multiple longitudinal modes. Chaotic mode hopping resulting in large hops in wavelength is induced by delayed electrical feedback. We show that, by coupling part of the output of one laser into another, one can synchronize the chaotic mode hopping of two separate lasers and obtain synchronized chaotic on-off modulation patterns in multiple corresponding wavelength bands.