Theory of optical bistability in metal mirrored fabry-perot cavities containing thermo-optic materials

We present and analyse a new method for achieving all-optical bistability, in metal mirrored Fabry-Perot cavities containing thermo-optic material. It is shown how “butterfly” bistability is achieved in metal/metal mirrored cavities. Optimisation for low switching powers is considered for a dielectr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics communications 1987-03, Vol.61 (5), p.345-350
Main Authors: Hutchings, D.C., Lloyd, A.D., Janossy, I., Wherrett, B.S.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We present and analyse a new method for achieving all-optical bistability, in metal mirrored Fabry-Perot cavities containing thermo-optic material. It is shown how “butterfly” bistability is achieved in metal/metal mirrored cavities. Optimisation for low switching powers is considered for a dielectric/metal mirrored cavity. The use of nematic liquid crystals with such a system makes submilliwatt switching powers easily achievable.
ISSN:0030-4018
1873-0310
DOI:10.1016/0030-4018(87)90079-4