Tunable optical bistability, tristability and multistability in arrays of graphene

Abstract

The optical bistability, tristability and multistability are explored in arrays of graphene. The arrays are periodically arranged spatially by single sheets of graphene. Optical bistability could be achieved with a strong enough incident intensity of light wave. The thresholds of optical bistability and the intervals between the upper and lower thresholds change with the surface conductivity of graphene and the incident wavelength. By increasing the intensity of incident light, tristability and multistability can be induced as well. Furthermore, the thresholds of bistability, tristability and multistability can be regulated via the chemical potential of graphene. This study may have potential applications in optical logic gates, all-optical switches and photomemory.