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

Topical Meeting on Optical Bistability (OB)

Optical Bistability in Four-Level Nonradiative Dyes

Zhen Fu Zhu, E. Garmire

Published Jan 1, 1983• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Most saturably absorbing dyes show a large unstaturable loss which removes the possibility of purely absorptive bistability. However, nonradiative dyes such as those used for Q-switching have an intensity-dependent phase shift which may allow bistability. We will show that this nonlinear refractive index comes from the population redistribution during saturable absorption.

DOI
10.1364/obi.1983.thb26

Related papers

Optical bistability in BDN dye

Zhen Fu Zhu, E. Garmire

We report optical bistability in a Fabry-Perot filled with BDN saturable absorbing dye occurring due to an intensity-dependent phase shift. A four-level model is used to show that the phase shift arises from nonresonant dispersion due to an excited metastable state which is excited in the process of saturable absorption. Preliminary experiments confirm the theoretical predictions.

IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics•Oct 1, 1983•15 citations

Intrinsic optical bistability via switching between saturable and reverse saturable absorption

Seyed Morteza Mousavi, Mohammad Mahmoudi

We present a novel approach to achieving intrinsic optical bistability and multistability through the interplay between saturable and reverse saturable absorption. Our findings reveal that the stable points on the optical bistability curve align with the switching points of intensity-dependent nonlinear absorption. By analyzing the optical properties of a four-level cascade quantum system, we demonstrate that these switching behaviors can be triggered by applying laser fields to induce nonlinear absorption. Furthermore, we propose a comprehensive model to describe the intensity-dependent nonlinear absorption within this quantum system. Finally, it is shown that the optical bistability switches to the multistability when the detuning of applied fields exceeds the multi-photon resonance condition.

Scientific Reports•Apr 15, 2025•3 citations

Laser induced optical bistability in MgPc dye

Anil Kumar, Devendra Mohan, Arun Kumar Gupta

In the present work, optical bistability using a Fabry-Perot cavity containing MgPc dye dissolved in toluene of different concentrations have been experimentally investigated by using a single mode Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YAG laser operating at ~532nm.The nonlinear refractive index n2 is numerically estimated from the bistabe loop and found to be in close approximations with the previously reported values.The nature of the bistable loop depicts the reverse saturable absorption (RSA) process in the medium under study.Absorptive type bistability is found to be predominant over dispersive bistability.

Chemical Biology Letters•Jan 4, 2017•0 citations

Optical bistability in a nonlinear resonator with saturable losses and intensity-dependent refractive index

Bhargava, Porzi, Datta Datta +3 more

International Conference on Computers and Devices for Communication•Jan 1, 2009•0 citations

Optical Bistability

Partha P. Banerjee

In the last chapter, we examined the effect of cubic nonlinearity on selfrefraction of an optical beam. We have also seen that the presence of a quadratic nonlinearity can also contribute to change in the profile of a Gaussian beam in a crystal. In this chapter we will see how the effect of nonlinearity, alongwith the proper feedback, can give rise to optical bistability and hysteresis. This is not unexpected as hysteresis and bistability are also observed in nonlinear electronic circuits with feedback, such as in the Schmitt trigger, as well as in hybrid optical devices, such as an acoustooptic device with feedback (Banerjee and Poon, 1991). In what follows, we will examine two different types of optically bistable devices based on optical nonlinearities. The first is a nonlinear ring resonator comprising a two-level gain medium as the nonlinear element. We will treat both absorptive and dispersive bistability. Absorptive bistability is the case when the incident optical frequency is close to or equal to the transition frequency of the atoms from one level to another. In this case, the absorption coefficient becomes a nonlinear function of the incident intensity. On the other hand, if the frequencies are far apart, the medium behaves like a Kerr-type material and the system exhibits what is called dispersive bistability. In this case the material can be modeled by an effective n2 or v (3), meaning that the refractive index becomes a nonlinear function of the optical intensity. The second configurationwewill examine is a linear-nonlinear interface. In this case, the interface provides the feedback due to refractive index mismatch. In fact, the reflection coefficient (as well as the transmission coefficient) is modified due to the nonlinearity, which, as we shall see later, is responsible for demonstrating optical switching and bistability.

Nonlinear Optics•Dec 4, 2003•0 citations

Optical bistability in four-level nonradiative dyes

Zhen Fu Zhu, E. Garmire

Optics Communications•Jun 1, 1983•4 citations
Most saturably absorbing dyes show a large unstaturable loss which removes the possibility of purely absorptive bistability. However, nonradiative dyes such as those used for Q-switching have an intensity-dependent phase shift which may allow bistability. We will show that this nonlinear refractive index comes from the population redistribution during saturable absorption.
We present a novel approach to achieving intrinsic optical bistability and multistability through the interplay between saturable and reverse saturable absorption. Our findings reveal that the stable points on the optical bistability curve align with the switching points of intensity-dependent nonlinear absorption. By analyzing the optical properties of a four-level cascade quantum system, we demonstrate that these switching behaviors can be triggered by applying laser fields to induce nonlinear absorption. Furthermore, we propose a comprehensive model to describe the intensity-dependent nonlinear absorption within this quantum system. Finally, it is shown that the optical bistability switches to the multistability when the detuning of applied fields exceeds the multi-photon resonance condition.
In the present work, optical bistability using a Fabry-Perot cavity containing MgPc dye dissolved in toluene of different concentrations have been experimentally investigated by using a single mode Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YAG laser operating at ~532nm.The nonlinear refractive index n2 is numerically estimated from the bistabe loop and found to be in close approximations with the previously reported values.The nature of the bistable loop depicts the reverse saturable absorption (RSA) process in the medium under study.Absorptive type bistability is found to be predominant over dispersive bistability.
In the last chapter, we examined the effect of cubic nonlinearity on selfrefraction of an optical beam. We have also seen that the presence of a quadratic nonlinearity can also contribute to change in the profile of a Gaussian beam in a crystal. In this chapter we will see how the effect of nonlinearity, alongwith the proper feedback, can give rise to optical bistability and hysteresis. This is not unexpected as hysteresis and bistability are also observed in nonlinear electronic circuits with feedback, such as in the Schmitt trigger, as well as in hybrid optical devices, such as an acoustooptic device with feedback (Banerjee and Poon, 1991). In what follows, we will examine two different types of optically bistable devices based on optical nonlinearities. The first is a nonlinear ring resonator comprising a two-level gain medium as the nonlinear element. We will treat both absorptive and dispersive bistability. Absorptive bistability is the case when the incident optical frequency is close to or equal to the transition frequency of the atoms from one level to another. In this case, the absorption coefficient becomes a nonlinear function of the incident intensity. On the other hand, if the frequencies are far apart, the medium behaves like a Kerr-type material and the system exhibits what is called dispersive bistability. In this case the material can be modeled by an effective n2 or v (3), meaning that the refractive index becomes a nonlinear function of the optical intensity. The second configurationwewill examine is a linear-nonlinear interface. In this case, the interface provides the feedback due to refractive index mismatch. In fact, the reflection coefficient (as well as the transmission coefficient) is modified due to the nonlinearity, which, as we shall see later, is responsible for demonstrating optical switching and bistability.