Optically bistable systems

B. Fluctuations and Fluctuational Transitions in an OB (Optically Bistable) System... 

An example of a nonequilibrium phase transition is the abrapt passage between the low- and high-transmission states in optically bistable systems. For phase transitions of this type, both the initial and final states are nonstationary (time-dependent) nonequilibrium states. In fact, the initial and final states display temporal oscillations. 

However, in many cases the fluctuating systems of interest are far from thermal equilibrium. Examples include optical bistable devices [45], lasers [23,46], pattern forming systems [47], trapped electrons that display bistability and switching in a strong periodic field [48-50], and spatially periodic systems (ratchets) that display a unidirectional current when driven away from thermal equilibrium [51-56]. 

A simple model that makes it possible to describe optical bistability in a variety of systems is a plane nonlinear Fabry-Perot interferometer, filled with a medium whose refractive index is intensity dependent [106]. The slow kinetics of a... 

In the experiments we have used two approaches. First, we have simulated the kinetics of a bistable optical system in the Debye relaxation appoximation for different forms of potential by means of electronic analog simulation. Secondly, we have investigated the kinetics of a double-cavity membrane system (DCMS) driven by two modulated laser beams at different wavelengths. This system is known to display optical bistability [111]. 

Fulgides have been extensively investigated as erasable and rewritable optical memory systems (see Chapter 4) and these photochromic molecules are attractive candidates for chiroptical switch development.1471 Their bistability is based on the... 

Thus, whereas many systems have been suggested that exhibit optical bistability, they have yet to be febricated into an operational switch. 

Optical processing systems are proposed based on relative intensity changes of second harmonic generation in sorbate complexes of p-nitroaniline and 2-methyl-p-nitroaniline in molecular sieve hosts [98]. Optical data storage would be one of a variety of potential electro-optical applications. In addition, molecular optical effects by third harmonic generation are suggested for optical data storage based on the possible formation of bistabilities for the local fields [65,99]. 

Unstable States and Oscillatory Phenomena in an Illuminated Thermodiemical System Theory and Experiment. J. Kramer and J. Ross, J. Chem. Phys., 83,6234 (1985). Stabilization of Unstable States, Fielaxation, and Critical Slowing Down in a Bistable System. R. H. Harding and J. Ross, J. Chem. Phys., 92, 1936 (1990). E rimental Measurement of die Relative Stability of Two Stationary States in Optically Bistable 21nSe Interference Filters. 

When applying a bias between the two pads, the bubble is set in motion at a velocity v [equation (10.58)] and crosses from one pad to the other in a time r = //v = 0.05 s. We thus have a bistable system, which can be switched on and off, with good optical contrast. 

Single-Variable Systems Experiments on Optical Bistability... 

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