Optical bistability and multistability via quantum interference in an Er3+-doped optical fiber

► The bistable behaviors in the scheme are controlled by both the coherent and incoherent fields. ► Optical multistability is realized in this system, which will have more advantages than the OB in some applications where more than two states are needed. ► Four kinds of convenient ways to obtaining the transition from OB to OM or vice versa are showed in this scheme.