E. M. Wright

Theory of radiation-pressure-driven interferometers

We review the theory of optical interferometers in which a light mirror is suspended to swing as a pendulum and can therefore respond to radiation-pressure forces. The basic principles are elaborated on by considering a two-mirror system, and optical bistability and mirror confinement are predicted. A three-mirror system is also described that is capable of producing a far higher level of mirror confinement. White- and ground-noise analyses are given.

Diffusion and diffraction in dispersive optical bistability

We present some numerical calculations on the effect of diffusion and diffraction on the switching characteristics of bistable optical etalons, together with an approximate analytic model demonstrating the major features and a discussion of switching waves in such systems. A diffusion length of one third of the input-beam spot size gives large hysteresis, whereas diffraction alone gives no hysteresis in first order.

Diffusion, Diffraction and Reflection in Semiconductor o.b. Devices

For reasons of speed and economy, applications of optical bistability are likely to concentrate on solid-state devices of small volume. In this paper we discuss the modelling and optimization of such devices. We report calculations of surface reflectivity optimization in the presence of absorption, and show that optical bistability in reflection offers significant advantages over transmission. Small transverse dimensions, i.e. dense packing, are limited by cross-talk between neighbouring devices. We show that diffraction and diffusion give rise to qualitatively similar effects

Nonlinear theory of self-oscillations in a phase-conjugate resonator

Abstract We present an exact, nonlinear analysis of self-oscillations in a phase-conjugate resonator. Optical bi- and multistability, as well as period doubling to chaos are predicted.

MIRROR CONFINEMENT AND CONTROL THROUGH RADIATION PRESSURE.

The control of the position of a mirror by radiation pressure is analyzed theoretically. Under realistic noise conditions, the position of a light mirror suspended inside a fixed Fabry-Perot interferometer can be stabilized within a few nanometers with incident powers of less than 1 W.

Period-doubling-induced phase hopping in a phase-conjugate resonator

The intracavity intensity of an empty phase-conjugate resonator in which the phase-conjugate mirror is a Kerr medium with instantaneous response can exhibit a sequence of period-doubling bifurcations to chaos. We show that the first such bifurcation is in general already sufficient to induce a quasi-periodic motion of the field phase, leading in practice to its complete indetermination.

Nonlinear theory of near degenerate four-wave mixing in a Kerr medium in the Raman-Nath approximation

Abstract We present a plane wave analysis of near degenerate four-wave mixing in a Kerr medium within the Raman-Nath approximation. Our theory, which includes pump depletion, yields simple closed form solutions for the nonlinear reflection and transmission coefficients of arbitrary scattering order. The nonlinear filter characteristics of the near degenerate four-wave mixing process are discussed.

Slaved bistability and self-pulsing in a nonlinear interferometer

The effects of mode coupling on the static and dynamic responses of a nonlinear interferometer that is pumped by two beams are investigated. Novel forms of bistable operation are identified along with self-pulsing.

Optical resonators driven by radiation pressure

The combined effects of radiation pressure and gravitational force can be used to stabilize a moving mirror to a high degree of accuracy. A noise analysis shows that, under typical conditions, a three-mirror configuration can lead to a mirror confinement within about 1.5 nm, for incident laser powers of 0.5 W.

Theory of an all-optical AM–FM generator

We propose and analyze an all-optical nonlinear device that can simultaneously produce amplitude- and frequency-modulated outputs. The form of the modulations, which arise from Ikeda-type instabilities, can be changed by altering the resonator length. Optical bistability is also reported.