Abstract

We have demonstrated a new mechanism for bistability in integrated optics, viz., light-induced-desorption of molecules from the waveguide surface by which the effective guide index N is changed. Bistability occurs if the desorption rate depends linearly on the incoupled power P' in an input coupler device (see Fig.1), and on the intracavity power in an IO Fabry Perot or ring resonator. This follows theoretically from an analysis analogous to that of the bistable radiation pressure driven waveguide pendulum.¹

© 1985 Optical Society of America