Theory of optical bistability in metal mirrored fabry-perot cavities containing thermo-optic materials

We present and analyse a new method for achieving all-optical bistability, in metal mirrored Fabry-Perot cavities containing thermo-optic material. It is shown how “butterfly” bistability is achieved in metal/metal mirrored cavities. Optimisation for low switching powers is considered for a dielectr...

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Published inOptics communications Vol. 61; no. 5; pp. 345 - 350
Main Authors Hutchings, D.C., Lloyd, A.D., Janossy, I., Wherrett, B.S.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.03.1987
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Summary:We present and analyse a new method for achieving all-optical bistability, in metal mirrored Fabry-Perot cavities containing thermo-optic material. It is shown how “butterfly” bistability is achieved in metal/metal mirrored cavities. Optimisation for low switching powers is considered for a dielectric/metal mirrored cavity. The use of nematic liquid crystals with such a system makes submilliwatt switching powers easily achievable.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ISSN:0030-4018
1873-0310
DOI:10.1016/0030-4018(87)90079-4