Abstract

A unified nonlinear modal theory that is valid not only for waveguide couplers but also for nonlinear Fabry–Perot resonators has recently been proposed. The validity of this new approach is numerically demonstrated by comparison with the well-known bidimensional theory. The unified modal theory appears to be a powerful tool for studying transverse effects in a broad class of nonlinear resonators. It has been used to derive the main characteristics of the stationary behavior of the optical resonators in the case of a local nonlinearity. In particular, the disappearance of optical bistability when the resonator is tilted is predicted. Optical bistability at nearly normal incidence is interpreted by the coupling between two resonantly excited counterpropagating modes that are at the origin of the required transverse feedback.

© 1990 Optical Society of America

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