Bistable reflection of light by an electro-optically driven interface

A theory of nonresonant optical bistability, based on ’’hybrid’’ interface effect, is developed. This effect occurs upon reflection of light at a single interface of a medium driven by electro-optical feedback. The nonlinear Snell’s and Fresnel’s formulas for the transmission regime are obtained, as well as conditions for bistable operation. The stability of steady states and characteristics of hysteresis jumps are examined as well.