Abstract

The optical bistability of a single micron-sized aqueous aerosol particle is reported for the first time. The particle, which is an (NH₄)₂SO₄ solution drop containing a small trace of organic dye, is levitated in an electrodynamic chamber and stabilized by background water vapor. The mechanism for the effect is associated with the photothermal evaporation which accompanies the visible excitation of a structure resonance. A theoretical model suggests that a solid particle should also exhibit a similar effect due to the photothermal modulation of its refractive index.

© 1986 Optical Society of America