Quantum Stochastic Theory of Optical Bistability

Quantum-statistical theories attracted considerable attention in the early history of optical bistability.(1) More recently, there has been less activity in this area; perhaps due partially to the lack of experimental work, and partially to the increasing interest in instabilities and chaos. It has now been demonstrated, however, that experiments which come very close to realizing the theoretical ideal—two-level homogeneously broadened atoms in a ring cavity— can be performed with quantitative precision. (2) Moreover, the rising importance of optical chaos is reason for directing attention towards, rather than away from, quantum-statistical studies, since there questions concerning quantum chaos might be addressed.