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Physica Scripta

Optical bistability: towards all-optical devices

Eusebio Bernabéu, Pedro Martín Mejías, R Martínez-Herrer

Published Aug 1, 1987• 8 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The phenomenon of optical bistability is the object of increasing interest owing to its possibilities for important device applications. The object of this short review is to give a description of this current field either from its conceptual theoretical basis or from its applications on optical circuitry and computing. Contents include three sections devoted to optical instabilities, bistable materials and international programs on this topic.

DOI
10.1088/0031-8949/36/2/021

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The phenomenon of optical bistability is the object of increasing interest owing to its possibilities for important device applications. The object of this short review is to give a description of this current field either from its conceptual theoretical basis or from its applications on optical circuitry and computing. Contents include three sections devoted to optical instabilities, bistable materials and international programs on this topic.
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The nonlinear phenomenon known as optical bistability, which enables optical systems to maintain two stable output states for a single input, is thoroughly examined in this review article. Through a detailed analysis of two important devices—the Simple Fiber Ring (SFR) resonator and the Nonlinear Optical Loop Mirror (NOLM)—it investigates the basic concepts of optical bistability, namely nonlinearity and feedback. Numerical simulations demonstrating dynamic dynamics and stability conditions bolster a strong theoretical framework. Recent advancements in bistable optical technologies, including developments in epsilon-near-zero materials, silicon photonics, hybrid plasmonic structures, neuromorphic photonics, and AI-driven photonic processors are also discussed. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging applications of optical bistability in optical logic circuits, high-speed communication, and quantum information processing. This review work is a useful tool for researchers and engineers creating next-generation optical systems because it connects theoretical insights with cutting-edge technological developments.