Optical devices with a feedback mechanism, e.g. a laser, provide two methods of achieving bistability.
This effect is caused by two factors Important cases that might be regarded are: Applications of this phenomenon include its use in optical transmitters, memory elements and pulse shapers.
Optical bistability was first observed within vapor of sodium during 1974.
[1] When the feedback mechanism is provided by an internal procedure (not by an external entity like the mirror within the Interferometers), the latter will be known as intrinsic optical bistability.
[2] This process can be seen in nonlinear media containing the nanoparticles through which the effect of surface plasmon resonance can potentially occur.