Theoretical and experimental study of the dynamic behavior of a nonlinear Fabry-Perot interferrometer

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Phys. Rev., A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.19.1169· OSTI ID:6139383

Bischofberger, T; Shen, Y R

We have studied theoretically and experimentally the dynamic behavior of a nonlinear Fabry-Perot interferrometer filled with a Kerr medium. The Fabry-Perot responses ranging from extremely transient to quasi-steady-state in various modes of operation are considered. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with theory. It is shown that the quasi-steady-state operation requires not only a medium response time much smaller than the cavity round-trip time, but also a characteristic time of the input intensity variation several hundred times larger than the cavity round-trip time. Even in the quasi-steady-state limit, optical switching is often featured by overshoot and ringing after switching. The switching speed is limited by the cavity buildup time.

• Research Organization: Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
• OSTI ID: 6139383
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev., A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., A; (United States) Vol. 19:3; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
657005 -- Theoretical Physics-- Optics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CAVITIES
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
FABRY-PEROT INTERFEROMETER
FUNCTIONS
INTERFEROMETERS
KERR EFFECT
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RESPONSE FUNCTIONS