Controlling the optical bistability and multistability in a two-level pumped-probe system

We study the behavior of the optical bistability (OB) and multistability (OM) in a two-level pumped-probe atomic system by means of a unidirectional ring cavity. We show that the optical bistability in a two-level atomic system can be controlled by adjusting the intensity of the pump field and the detuning between two fields. We find that applying the pumping field decreases the threshold of the optical bistability.     

Bistable performances of diode-end-pumped quasi-three-level Tm,Ho:YLF lasers

The performances of continuous wave, quasi-three-level Tm,Ho:YLF lasers emitting near 2.06 μm with single- and dual-end-pumped configurations are reported. Bistability is observed for single-end pumping but is absent for dual-end pumping. The width of the bistability region and the jump power at the turning point are shown to be functions of both the cavity length and output coupler transmission.     

Defects,flexoelectricity and RF communications: the ZBD story

ABSTRACT

The zenithal bistable display (ZBD) was the first liquid crystal device mode to be commercialised that uses nematic disclinations in a constructive fashion, to use the flexoelectric effect inherent to all liquid crystals but at the time was considered too weak an effect to be useful, and to transfer nano-replication methods to the LCD manufacturing environment. The genesis of the invention and spin-out company ZBD Displays Limited will be described, and the evolution of that company from licensing model, through fabless manufacturer to display provider and finally to a system provider for the retail sector. The story may be useful not just to those interested in the science behind a rather unusual LCD, but also those involved in taking technology from laboratory to manufacturing, from idea to commercial success.     

Controlling the optical bistability via quantum interference in a four-level N-type atomic system

We investigate the optical bistability (OB) and optical multi-stability (OM) in a four-level N-type atomic system. The effect of spontaneously generated coherence (SGC) on OB and OM is then discussed. It is found that SGC makes the medium phase dependent, so the optical bistability and multi-stability threshold can be controlled via relative phase between applied fields. We realize that the frequency detuning of probe and coupling fields with the corresponding atomic transition plays an important role in creation OB and OM. Moreover, the effect of laser coupling fields and an incoherent pumping field on reduction of OB and OM threshold is then discussed.     

Static and dynamic analysis of an all-optical inverter based on a Vertical Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (VCSOA)

We report the static and dynamic properties of an all-optical inverter based on an 850 nm Vertical Cavity Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (VCSOA). The inverter exhibits low switching power requirements (~ 15 μW), large on/off contrast ratio (> 11 dB), and high speed operation (~ 1.4 GHz). Large and small signal measurements show that the speed of operation and the on/off contrast ratio improve with increased bias current. This holds important prospects for the development of VCSOA-inverters for high-speed, low-power optical logic applications. Finally, a theoretical model of the VCSOA-inverter has been employed giving good agreement with experiments.     

Third-Order Nonlinear Integrated Device Based on an Effective Graded-Index Waveguide for All-Optical Multistability

We present a theoretical study of all-optical multistability in an integrated device composed by a step-index nonlinear Kerr waveguide with a variable width film, providing an effective graded-index profile. The self- and cross-action of nonlinear Gaussian counterpropagating beams in this structure and a feedback controlling mechanism based on transverse modal coupling generate a multistable behavior. The results have been obtained and explained on the basis of the exact solutions of the variational problem for the counterpropagating Gaussian beams. Finally, in order to make clear the possibilities of this device, novel applications of the all-optical multistable integrated device are proposed for smart sensing.     

First-Order-Like Phase Transition Induced by Two Different Kinds of Noise in Dispersive Optical Bistability

With unified colored noise approximation, the steady state distribution function in dispersive opticalbistability including both intensity and phase fluctuations is obtained. The parameter plane of the first-order-like phasetransition is also derived with numerical method. It is found that the number of extremes at non-zero values of theoutput field in the steady state distribution function is changed from zero, two to four. It is shown that the strengths of the intensity fluctuation and the phase fluctuation have great effect on the first-order-like phase transition.     

色散对单模激光系统非线性效应的影响

研究在强光场的作用下 ,激光系统中的腔内介质的折射率不再是常数而引起的非线性效应 ,即色散型激光系统的动力学行为。研究结果表明 ,这类系统的输出场会呈现双稳态 ,并利用极值法确定了描述这类色散型激光系统的Maxvell- bloch方程是现双稳态的参数临界点和双稳态区域     

左手材料与非线性光学材料界面处的内光学双稳态

从理论及数值上研究了左手材料与传统非线性材料界面处的电磁波性质。发现在界面处出现一种新的现象——光学双稳态。入射光强、入射角以及左手材料与非线性材料的磁导率比值强烈的影响光学双稳态的行为。比较了不同的电磁模式对双稳态行为的影响。结果表明在相同的参数下，TE模式比TM模式更容易获得光学双稳态。