All-optical switching in an open V-type atomic system

In this paper, the optical bistability (OB) and absorption properties of a weak probe field in an open V-type three-level atomic system have been investigated. We found that the OB threshold could be reduced via spontaneously generated coherence (SGC), coherent and incoherent pump fields, atomic injection, and exit rates. We also found that the threshold intensity of OB in an open system was less than that in the closed system. The all-optical switching due to the OB has also been discussed. (paper)