Abstract

We propose and report the first experimental demonstration of a new type of active optical bistable device composed of an optical cavity and a lasing medium with a pumping source of either optical or nonopticai means. The basic principle underlying the operation of the optical bistable laser (OBL) is based on the stable-unstable cavity configuration transition of an active optical resonator. Generally speaking, a laser system showing both pump- and laser-induced tensing (focusing or defocusing) effects may display such a hysteresis loop in its input-output characteristics. Optical bistability (OB) based on self-focusing of light in a medium having a nonlinear refractive index has recently been shown experimentally.¹

© 1985 Optical Society of America