Abstract
Since the first observation of optical bistability in 1976 (1), a large number of investigations of this phenomenon have appeared in the literature (2). Of particular theoretical interest has been the bistable system composed of “two-level” atoms within an optical resonator. While the theory in this case is well-advanced, only recently have experimental results been obtained (3–6). The work that we report is for absorptive bistability with an intracavity medium that approximates a collection of two-level atoms. We discuss our measurements of both the evolution of steady-state hysteresis and the slowing down of switching times using an inhomogeneously broadened medium in a standing-wave cavity. We also present results of the first observation of absorptive bistability in a predominantly homogeneously broadened medium of two-level atoms in a ring cavity.
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© 1984 Plenum Press, New York
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Kimble, H.J., Rosenberger, A.T., Drummond, P.D. (1984). Optical Bistability with Two-Level Atoms. In: Bowden, C.M., Gibbs, H.M., McCall, S.L. (eds) Optical Bistability 2. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-4718-7_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-4718-7_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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