Optical bistability

In <a href="/facts/Optics/p0vq4S1T">optics</a>, optical bistability is an attribute of certain <a href="/facts/Optical_device/p0vq4S1T">optical devices</a> where two resonant transmissions states are possible and stable, dependent on the input. Optical devices with a <a href="/facts/Feedback_mechanism/XnuWH3zp">feedback mechanism</a>, e.g. a <a href="/facts/Laser/jk6PTvvT">laser</a>, provide two methods of achieving <a href="/facts/Bistability/Rvxss5V4">bistability</a>.

<ul><li>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.</li>
<li>Refractive bistability utilizes an optical mechanism that changes its <a href="/facts/Refractive_index/yjkzvgeE">refractive index</a> 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.</li></ul>
This effect is caused by two factors

<ul><li>Nonlinear atom-field interaction</li>
<li>Feedback effect of mirror</li></ul>
Important cases that might be regarded are:

<ul><li>Atomic detuning</li>
<li>Cooperating factor</li>
<li>Cavity mistuning</li></ul>
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.

Optical bistability open-in-new

Optical bistability