title: Switching types and all-optical flip-flop operations in a ring cavity with four nonlinear elements.
abstract: We consider an optical ring cavity with four nonlinear elements and investigate its all-optical flip-flop operation and the types of switching between its multiple stable states. All-optical flip-flop operation is shown to exist, and the possible switching modes are determined. We also discuss the difference between the slowly varying input and pulse-injection processes. Moreover a procedure to obtain the preinjection states that are needed for operation is proposed.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Chern
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: McIver