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Quantum Electronics

Optical bistability based on nonlinear oblique reflection of light beams from a screen with an aperture on its axis

Konstantin Y. Nikitenko, Vyacheslav A. Trofimov

Published Feb 28, 1999• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

It is shown that, in principle, optical bistability can be based on a nonlinear interaction of noncollinearly propagating beams when one of them is reflected from a plane screen with an aperture on its axis. The requirements to be satisfied by the interacting beams are discussed and estimates are obtained of the shortest response time of such an optically bistable system.

DOI
10.1070/qe1999v029n02abeh001435

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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