Non-Hermitian optical bistability with polarization quantization in Sm3+:BiPO4

In this study, we investigate non-Hermitian optical bistability in Sm3+:BiPO4 under the influence of polarization quantization. Our work focuses on how polarization affects this bistability, especially near exceptional points (EPs) in a non-Hermitian system. We demonstrate two types of optical bistability jumps: two-step one optical bistability jump and three-step two optical bistability jumps resulting from constructive and destructive polarization quantization. One optical bistability jump, without and with a non-Hermitian self-dressing switch, is observed at destructive and constructive polarization quantization near EP region, respectively. Two optical bistability jumps via nested-cascade dressing at horizontal polarization quantization are stronger than three cascaded dressings at circular polarization quantization. In addition, two types of non-Hermitian optical bistability jumps fit the second-order eigenvector intensity splitting theoretical model. Our findings are significant in controlling optical switching in materials used for quantum technologies. Such results have potential applications in quantization phase transitions in non-Hermitian photonic systems and advanced optical devices.