Abstract
The problem of self-pulsing in optically bistable systems is discussed within the framework of imperfect bifurcation theory. The joint appearance of a hysteresis cycle in the cw-transmission curve and of transitions to self-pulsing is described as an interaction between steady-state and Hopf bifurcations induced by varying the incident field intensity. The bifurcation equations for the most degenerate case are shown to be determined by a corank-two and codimension-four polynomial normal form. This form can be extracted from analytical and numerical studies on the Maxwell-Bloch equations, and acts as an organizing center for bistable switching and the self-pulsing mechanism. The structurally stable unfolded bifurcation diagrams are analyzed. Besides describing correctly and in a comprehensive way all bifurcations to self-pulsing that have so far been observed, a number of new generic transitions are predicted. These include self-pulsing from the low transmission branch and transitions leading to the formation of islands with self-pulsing behavior.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 157-166 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Zeitschrift für Physik B Condensed Matter |
Volume | 53 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1983 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics