Combined distributed feedback and Fabry–Perot structures with a phase-matching layer for optical bistable devices

A combined distributed feedback and Fabry–Perot (DFB/FP) structure with a phase-matching layer is proposed for optical bistable devices. Using a simple and versatile nonlinear transfer-matrix method, we demonstrate that the DFB/FP structure can have a much lower bistability threshold than a single DFB structure with a comparable total thickness. The combined structure can also have lower threshold and less sensitivity to absorption than a traditional nonlinear Fabry–Perot etalon.