Abstract
If a four-level atomic system with the possibility of J=1/2 to J=1/2 transitions is driven by a lineary polarized input field, first-order transitions from linearly to circularly polarized output fields may occur. In the mean-field limit and the pure absorptive case, the underlying Maxwell-Bloch equations reduce to a pair of coupled algebraic equations for the circularly right and left polarized outputs as functions of a linearly polarized input. These equations are discussed within the framework of imperfect-bifurcation theory. The most degenerate situation,-the collapse of the circularly polarized transmission branch onto a hysteresis point of the linearly polarized branch-is shown to be determined by a codimension-four singularity. The structurally stable unfolded-bifurcation diagrams of this singularity are analysed. Besides describing correctly all transitions to optical tristability that have so far been observed in the absorptive limit, a variety of new generic transitions is predicted which are not accessible in the pure absorptive limit. These include hysteresis in the circularly polarized transmission branch and transitions to self-pulsing.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 125-141 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Il Nuovo Cimento B Series 11 |
Volume | 85 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 1985 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- 42.65
- Nonlinear optics
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy