John H. Marburger

Theory of bistability in nonlinear distributed feedback structures

We show that optical bistability can occur in a distributed feedback structure with an intensity‐dependent refractive index. Analytical expressions for the transmissivity are obtained and a comparison with Fabry‐Perot‐type devices is presented.

Theory of nonresonant multistable optical devices

We show that a Fabry‐Perot interferometer filled with a Kerr medium has a multiple‐valued transmission‐intensity characteristic. ’’On’’ and ’’off’’ field for bistable operation are estimated, and a simple but accurate approximate theory is described.

Incoherent mirrorless bistable optical devices

A new class of bistable optical devices is described which do not require resonators or single‐mode lasers. Optical bistability was demonstrated using a LiNbO3 electro‐optic modulator and a multimode laser.

Hysteresis and optical bistability in degenerate four‐wave mixing

The intensity‐dependent refractive index leads to hysteresis and optical bistability in degenerate four‐wave mixing processes (DFWM). Bistability may be observed in the phase conjugate signal or in the ’’spontaneous’’ oscillation possible in DFWM. This bistability does not require external resonant cavities.

Transient response of hybrid bistable optical devices

The response of a hybrid bistable optical device to step inputs of light was studied experimentally. The results confirm theoretical predictions concerning the dependence of switching time on the applied light increment. For the first time the phenomenon of ’’critical slowing down’’ is observed directly.

Nonlinear theory of degenerate four‐wave mixing

We report an exactly solvable theory of ’’time‐reversed’’ phase‐front generation including depletion effects and nonlinear phase distortion. Simple expressions are obtained for peak reflected signals with and without input probe signals.

Optical pulse integration and chirp reversal in degenerate four‐wave mixing

A simple theory shows that phase modulation on a pulse may be reversed in time (e.g., positive chirp to negative) by degenerate four‐wave mixing in an optically thin nonlinear medium. In thick media, the reflected pulse field is not truly time reversed, but is proportional to the time integral of the conjugate incident field.

Effect of nonlinear index changes on degenerate four‐wave mixing

Unavoidable refractive‐index changes induced by the pump beams in DFWM reduce the gain and shift its spectral pass band when the forward and backward pump intensities are unequal. The full linearized DFWM equations also imply large non‐phase‐conjugate signals in a collinear geometry. These effects influence the onset and spectrum of ’’spontaneous oscillation.’’

Enhancement of self-focusing threshold in sapphire with elliptical beams

The power threshold for optically induced bulk damage in sapphire is a sensitive function of the ellipticity of the incident beam shape. Experimental results are consistent with a simple self‐focusing theory.

Multimode integrated optical bistable switch

A multimode integrated optical bistable switch using a LiNbO(3) phase modulator in a noncavity configuration was constructed and tested. Bistability and discriminator operation were observed in this device using a He-Ne laser.