The classical modeling approach for laser study relies on the differential equations. In this paper, a cellular automaton model is proposed as an alternative for the simulation of population dynamics. Even though the model is simplified it captures the essence of laser phenomenology: (i) there is a threshold pumping rate that depends inversely on the decaying lifetime of the atoms and the photons; and (ii) depending on these lifetimes and on the pumping rate, a constant or an oscillatory behavior can be observed. More complex behaviors such as spiking and pattern formation can also be studied with the cellular automaton model.

• Received 28 November 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.67.066708