Low power all-optical bistability in nematic liquid crystals

Optimisation studies of nonlinear narrow pass-band interference filters have concluded that the independent tailoring of finesse and cavity length made possible by removal of absorption from within the cavity can lead to a significant reduction in operating power levels. A metallic partial mirror at the rear of the cavity is thus used as both a reflector and an absorber, with thermal conduction into the spacer leading to optothermal bistability. This design allowed the construction of rigid cavities which have been used to demonstrate optical bistability with a number of liquid phase thermo-optic materials