Optical bistability in asymmetric Fabry-Perot laser-diode amplifiers

We present what is to our knowledge the first study of optical bistability in Fabry-Perot laser-diode amplifiers that have asymmetric facet reflectivities. When operated in reflection, the light input-light output characteristics exhibit a transition from counterclockwise to clockwise hysteresis by way of an X-shaped or butterfly hysteresis. This transition can be achieved by a change in either the device bias or the phase detuning of the incident light. Our results are in good agreement with calculation.