Bistable optical systems based on a Pockels cell

The performance of a bistable intensity modulator based on a Pockels cell can be optimized if a voltage proportional to a linear combination of input and output intensities is applied to the Pockels cell. The bistable response can more closely approximate a step function. The output-optical-power regulation can be improved at levels close to the input-power level. The operating point of an ultralinear modulator can be maintained at the most linear portion of the response curve. Some of the above features are demonstrated experimentally. Analogous modifications can be made to advantage on other bistable optical systems.