DRESSED MODE DESCRIPTION OF OPTICAL BISTABILITY

We generalize and simplify the definition of mode variables given in Haken's theory of phase transitions in systems far from thermal equilibrium. The Maxwell-Bloch equations for absorptive optical bistability in a ring cavity are rephrased in such a way that the boundary conditions for the field become a simple periodicity condition in space without retardation in time. From this formulation of the Maxwell-Bloch equations we derive the time evolution equations for the mode variables, which describe the dressed mode dynamics. The coefficients of these equations are analytically evaluated in the limit of small transmittivity of the mirrors. Some applications are indicated. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.