Optical bistability on reflection with an InSb étalon controlled by a guided wave

We report experimental results on optical bistability using an InSb étalon gold coated on one face, at 80 K and 5.59-microm wavelength. The bistability, observed on reflection, was controlled by a beam coupled through the edge of the étalon. The geometry lends itself to the possibility of addressing a large number of individual spots, all of which are controlled by the same guided beam.