Optical bistability outside the rotating wave approximation in mixed species

Optical bistable behavior for a system of inhomogeneously broadened two sorts of two-level atoms in a ring cavity is investigated outside the rotating wave approximation (RWA). The model Maxwell–Bloch equations are treated with Fourier decomposition up to first harmonic. The first harmonic output field component exhibits reversed or mushroom bistability simultaneously with bi- and double-bistability in the fundamental field component. Inhomogeneous broadening and transverse field effects are also considered.