Transfer matrix formalism for the stationary response of nonlinear, multilayered structures for optical bistability

The transfer matrix formalism, well known to describe the linear optical response of multilayered structures, is extended to the plane wave response of multilayered structures with an arbitrary number of Ken-type nonlinear layers, and including linear absorption too. It is shown that the dummy variable technique, well known in the description of the nonlinear Fabry-Perot, can be extended for multilayered structures. Several effects are highlighted for both superlattices and nonlinear interference filters.