Using Fiber-optic Mach-zehnder Interferometer To Achieve Optical Bistability

Optical bistability is an advanced optical object. It studys on the nonliner opticalsystems which have feedback and table state and dynamic state. The study about opticalbistability developed new area in nonliner optics, and it stimulates the development oflaser-physics, concentration-physics, non-equipoise physics and nonliner science. Theconcept of optical bistability, the types of the optical bistable devices and theirfundamental theories are systematically introduced in this dissertation. The developmentof optical bistable devices and the application of these devices are given. Theinterferometric theory of optical bistability, the optical bistablity in the frequencydomain and the theory of fiber Mzch-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) and how to makeMZI are introduced on the basis of how to use fiber MZI to fulfill the optical bistablityin the frequency domain.A new type hybrid optical bistable device(OBD) by the use of fiber MZI isproposed. By using of ASE and scanning Fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) Filter in thisexperiment, I get the output light which can continue change in the frequency domain inthe range of 1525nm-1565nm and I use fiber MZI as optical bistable system'smodulator. When the light which can continue change in the frequency domainincidence to fiber MZI, I get the modulate curve about fiber MZI's transmittivity.Sampling from transmitted light and changing the optical signal to voltage signal asfeedback voltage add to FFP, the experimental phenomenon is produced. Via fixing thevoltage which add. to FFP and changing the input of MZI and via fixing the input ofMZI and changing the voltage which add to FFP realize optical bistability respectively.According to the optical bistabable theory, the experimental phenomenon issystematically discussed and imitated thegretically. Through test, the result of theexperiment suit the theoretical imitations.Fiber optical bistability in the frequency domain, which has wide applicationprospects, is the combination between optical bistable principle and modern fibertechniques. Fulfilling the optical bistabilty in the frequency domain by using of fiberMZI is of importance. When the device works in the stable domain, it can be used as fiber laser power stabilizer. When the device works in switch domain, it can be used asoptical switch, optical Router. Specially, this kind of device can be used as fiber sensorof digital type.