Transverse effects in optical bistability with the nonlinear Fabry–Pérot étalon: A new theoretical approach

Abstract

On the basis of a plane-wave analysis we develop an original one-dimensional model for the nonlinear Fabry–Pérot étalon. This model facilitates numerical analysis and physical interpretations. We discuss the role of diffraction and the influence of the incident angle on bistability. A preliminary numerical study of the model is proposed.