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

D. C. Hutchings, A. D. Lloyd, I. Janossy, B. S. Wherrett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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. © 1987.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)345-350
Number of pages6
JournalOptics Communications
Volume61
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 1987

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