Abstract
A recent modal theory of nonlinear planar resonators is applied to the analysis of the steady transmission characteristics of the two-beam nonlinear Fabry–Perot interferometer. An analytical study, based on the plane-wave approximation, is presented that shows the potential applications of the device. In particular, a flip-flop mode of operation, derived from a pitchfork bifurcation, is predicted. Its salient feature is to require only positive triggering pulses.