Observation of optical bistability due to resonator configuration transition

Abstract

In this Letter, a new kind of active optical bistability is discussed. The basic principle underlying the operation of the optically bistable laser is based on stable-unstable cavity configuration transitions of an active optical resonator. Generally speaking, a laser system showing both pump- and laser-induced lensing (focusing or defocusing) effects may display such a hysteresis loop in its input-output characteristics. This bistability is experimentally demonstrated using a flashlamp-pumped, Nd-doped gadolinium gallium garnet rod placed in a plane-parallel optical cavity.

Hysteresis loop and pattern from the dual-wavelength competition in an Nd:YVO4laser with an intracavity periodically poled lithium niobate Bragg modulator

“…The bistable behavior of dual-wavelength laser has been studied and applied to optical communication on Er-doped fiber laser because of nonlinear saturable absorption [13]. The phenomenon of optical bistability of Nd-doped laser was discovered due to resonator configuration transition at 1.064 μm only [14]. In this work, hysteresis loop and pattern formation were observed in a Nd:YVO4 laser with simultaneously multiple wavelength emission at 1064nm and 1342nm.…”