Abstract

We present an analysis based on a spatiotemporal model of bistable optical devices with substantial spatial distributivity in both transverse and longitudinal directions. Devices with thermal nonlinearity are considered. The spatial dynamics of absorption-domain generation is described, and results for longitudinal autopulsations in such devices are presented for the case of incident beam focusing. These autopulsations are accompanied by oscillations of transmitted beam power. We also present the results for the case of time modulation of the incident radiation intensity, when the device under consideration can exhibit frequency locking, generation of sub-harmonics, frequency multiplication, or irregular behavior.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

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