Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics Letters

Optical bistability that is due to mutual self-action of counterpropagating beams of light

A. E. Kaplan

Published Aug 1, 1981• 60 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A new kind of optical bistability is discussed that is based on mutual self-action of light beams in a nonlinear medium. In particular, fundamentally new devices are proposed that use two counterpropagating incident beams and no reflection feedback. Self-focusing (or self-defocusing) and self-bending provide bistability with positive or negative nonlinearity.

DOI
10.1364/ol.6.000360

Related papers

Optical bistability due to mutual self-action of counterpropagated light beams

A. E. Kaplan

We are proposing the theory of optical bistability caused by mutual self-focusing (or defocusing) of light beams, one of which is formed by reflection of the incident beam from a mirror of appropriate size and is propagating in the opposite direction. The reflection provides a strong feedback in the system due to significant increasing of the average nonlinear component of refractive index caused by the reflected beam.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 1981•0 citations

Optical bistability based on self-focusing

John E. Bjorkholm, A. E. Kaplan, P. W. E. Smith +1 more

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.

Optics Letters•Jul 1, 1981•96 citations

Optical bistability based on self-focusing

John E. Bjorkholm, P. W. E. Smith, W. Tomlinson +3 more

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

IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics•Dec 1, 1981•0 citations

Optical bistability based on self-focusing

John E. Bjorkholm, P. W. E. Smith, W. J. Tomlinson +3 more

We have experimentally demonstrated a fundamentally new type of intrinsic optical bistability. The operation of this new class of device is based on self-focusing of a laser beam as it propagates through a nonlinear medium. It further differs from previous optical devices which exhibited intrinsic bistability (only optical feedback, no electrical feedback) in that the earlier devices have all required resonant optical cavities; no such cavity is required for this new type of device.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 1981•1 citation

Cross-Trapping Optical Bistability of Two Counter-Propagating Beams in Sodium Vapor

A. Mysyrowicz, Kuochou Tai, H. M. Gibbs +1 more

The interaction of two counterpropagating beams in a nonlinear medium leads to many interesting phenomena. One such phenomenon is the occurrence of optical bistability arising from the mutual interaction of the two beams.1 This type of cross-trapping optical bistability is similar to one of those proposed by Kaplan.2 The physics of cross-trapping optical bistability is similar to the self-focusing bistability3 where self-trapping occurs in a single-beam/single-reflector setup. Cross-trapping bistability differs in that it has no external feedback and therefore is the first mirrorless bistability not based on an increasing absorption effect.

Topical Meeting on Optical Bistability (OB)•Jan 1, 1985•0 citations

Transverse optical bistability during the self-defocusing of counterpropagating light beams in a nonlinear medium

Anatoly A. Borshch, M. S. Borodin, V. I. Semioshko

Technical Physics Letters•Mar 1, 1986•0 citations
A new kind of optical bistability is discussed that is based on mutual self-action of light beams in a nonlinear medium. In particular, fundamentally new devices are proposed that use two counterpropagating incident beams and no reflection feedback. Self-focusing (or self-defocusing) and self-bending provide bistability with positive or negative nonlinearity.
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
The interaction of two counterpropagating beams in a nonlinear medium leads to many interesting phenomena. One such phenomenon is the occurrence of optical bistability arising from the mutual interaction of the two beams.1 This type of cross-trapping optical bistability is similar to one of those proposed by Kaplan.2 The physics of cross-trapping optical bistability is similar to the self-focusing bistability3 where self-trapping occurs in a single-beam/single-reflector setup. Cross-trapping bistability differs in that it has no external feedback and therefore is the first mirrorless bistability not based on an increasing absorption effect.