The external switching of intrinsic optically bistable devices by incoherent illumination

We report the observation of external switching of an intrinsic optically bistable device by incoherent illumination. The InSb etalons used in this study were switched by a photographic flashlamp both from off to on resonance and, under different conditions, from on to off resonsance. It has been demonstrated experimentally that switching can be initiated as a result of either an electronic or a thermal effect. The parameters that determine which mechanism dominates in a particular instance are discussed. The results should have general application to a variety of materials of device interest.