Model for mirrorless optical multiple bistability due to increasing and decreasing absorption

Abstract
Heat conduction and propagation of the electromagnetic field as well as temperature-dependent absorption are considered in a model for mirrorless optical bistability. The effects of temperature and laser-frequency detuning are calculated and discussed. It is shown that the multiple bistability of output intensity as a function of input intensity can be induced and controlled by the temperature boundary conditions. It is emphasized that changes in these boundary conditions determine the details of the transmission characteristics.