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Optics Letters

Optical bistability based on self-induced polarization-state change in anisotropic Kerr-like media

Kenju Otsuka, Junji Yumoto, Jin Song

Published Oct 1, 1985• 22 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A new scheme is proposed for the realization of all-optical ultrafast functional devices, such as self-modulators and multistable elements, utilizing a nonresonant chi((3)) process. The basic physical mechanism involved is the intensity-dependent self-induced change in the polarization state of light during propagation in an optically anisotropic Kerr-like medium with a large linear birefringence.

DOI
10.1364/ol.10.000508

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A new scheme is proposed for the realization of all-optical ultrafast functional devices, such as self-modulators and multistable elements, utilizing a nonresonant chi((3)) process. The basic physical mechanism involved is the intensity-dependent self-induced change in the polarization state of light during propagation in an optically anisotropic Kerr-like medium with a large linear birefringence.
We present a model calculation of optical bistability and polarisation evolution in optically birefringent media based on the interaction of three waves.Second-order optical nonlinearity (described by the third rank susceptibility tensor) is assumed to be dominant.A bistable light transmission is analysed in terms of standard Fabry-Perot model of feedback, and is a direct consequence of the results obtained for a semi-infinite medium.A second effect considered in the paper is evolution of polarisation state of the waves involved in these processes.We derived a closed formula for intensity-dependent refractive index, which corresponds to that used in the case of third-order nonlinear media.As a result, we calculated both intensity • and Stokes parameters of transmitted light.
We experimentally demonstrate a fundamentally new type of intrinsic optical bistability that requires no resonant optical cavity. Operation is based on mutual self-focusing of counterpropagating laser beams in a nonlinear medium. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a fundamentally new type of optical bistability. 1 The operation of this new class of devices is based on self-focusing of light; the feedback required for bistability is provided by an apertured retroreflector. These devices exhibit intrinsic bistability (the feedback is optical) and are related to nonlinear waveguide devices proposed earlier. 2 Self-focusing occurs when a light beam having a nonuniform spatial profile (such as a Gaussian laser beam) and sufficient intensity propagates through a nonlinear medium having an intensity-dependent index of refraction. 3 Previously proposed devices that exhibited
In our recent research1, it was suggested that counter-propagating laser beams in a Kerr-nonlinear medium can induce intensity-dependent nonreciprocity which consists in different changes of refractive indecies for both of the waves. Under some conditions, this can result in such directionally asymmetrical effects as (i) directional bistability in a nonlinear ring resonator which allows one to switch the direction of propagation of a dominant mode and (ii) enhancement of the Sagnac effect in a rotating ring resonator.