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Bistable phase-conjugate resonator using an intracavity saturable absorber

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Abstract

Phase-conjugate resonators have several attractive properties for image processing and storage. In the work described here, we demonstrate improved thresholding and storage properties of a phase-conjugate resonator (PCR) by the addition of an intracavity saturable absorber. It can be shown that the resonator will be bistable if (1) the small-signal absorption of the saturable absorber exceeds the small-signal gain of the phase-conjugate mirror, and (2) the absorption saturates more readily than the gain (i.e., reflectivity) of the PCM. Recently, a saturable absorber was used inside a PCR to control the transverse modes,1 but no evidence of bistability was obtained. In our experiment, we used a PCR bounded at one end by a conventional mirror and at the other end by an externally pumped BaTiO3 PCM. The saturable absorber was a solid film of fluorescein- doped boric acid glass.2 By adjustment of the total intensity and beam ratio at the PCM, we were able to demonstrate bistability. The input in our experiment was an incoherent control beam incident noncollinearly onto the intracavity saturable absorber. In the absence of a control beam, no oscillation was observed. When the control beam was turned on, the resonator switched to the on state in ~5 sec. The control beam could then be removed, and the cavity oscillation continued. To return to the off state, the resonator path was blocked.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

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