Optical bistability
In optics, optical bistability is an attribute of certain optical devices where two resonant transmissions states are possible and stable, dependent on the input. Optical devices with a feedback mechanism, e.g. a laser, provide two methods of achieving bistability.
- Absorptive bistability utilizes an absorber to block light inversely dependent on the intensity of the source light. The first bistable state resides at a given intensity where no absorber is used. The second state resides at the point where the light intensity overcomes the absorber's ability to block light.
- Refractive bistability utilizes an optical mechanism that changes its refractive index inversely dependent on the intensity of the source light. The first bistable state resides at a given intensity where no optical mechanism is used. The second state resides at the point where a certain light intensity causes the light to resonate to the corresponding refractive index.
This effect is caused by two factors
- Nonlinear atom-field interaction
- Feedback effect of mirror
Important cases that might be regarded are:
- Atomic detuning
- Cooperating factor
- Cavity mistuning
Applications of this phenomenon include its use in optical transmitters, memory elements and pulse shapers.
Optical bistability was first observed within vapor of sodium during 1974.[1]
Intrinsic bistability
[edit]When the feedback mechanism is provided by an internal procedure (not by an external entity like the mirror within the Interferometers), the latter will be known as intrinsic optical bistability.[2] This process can be seen in nonlinear media containing the nanoparticles through which the effect of surface plasmon resonance can potentially occur.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ Gibbs, Hyatt (1985). "Introduction to Optical Bistability". Optical Bistability: Controlling Light With Light. Quantum electronics--principles and applications. Orlando, FL: Academic Press Inc. p. 1. ISBN 978-0122819407. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
- ^ Goldstone, J. A., and E. Garmire. "Intrinsic optical bistability in nonlinear media". Physical review letters 53.9 (1984): 910. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.53.910
- ^ Sharif, Morteza A., et al. "Difference Frequency Generation-based ultralow threshold Optical Bistability in graphene at visible frequencies, an experimental realization". Journal of Molecular Liquids 284 (2019): 92–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2019.03.167
- Guangsheng He; Song H. Liu (1999). Physics of Nonlinear Optics. World Scientific. pp. 422–. ISBN 978-981-02-3319-8.