Optical multistability using optoelectronic feedback

An optical multistable device with good tuning capability was experimentally realized by using a semiconductor light-emitting device, a photodiode, and transistors with positive optoelectronic feedback. By tuning the cutoff current of each stage, optical multiple bistable and multistable loop characteristics are realized. In this device, the number of stable states is determined by the number of transistor pairs. It is noted that this device is easy to integrate and may be used in optical digital computers. A graphical solution method, as well as stability analysis of solutions, is presented to explain the operational principle of this device.<
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