Nonlinear Mach-Zehnder-Fano interferometer

We consider nonlinear Mach-Zehnder-Fano interferometer in which supports the nonlinear Fano resonances. Based on the introduced figure of merit, we demonstrate that the nonlinear Mach-Zehnder-Fano interferometer could enhance the nonlinear response up to two orders of magnitude and produce the nearly perfect dynamical bistable response compared to standard Fano resonance geometry. The enhanced resonance excitation in the nonlinear Fano defect and the step-function like linear transmission suggest that the Mach-Zehnder-Fano interferometer could be a suitable candidate involving in nonlinear manipulation of the Fano resonance. We confirm the significant enhancement of the nonlinear sensitivity both in stationary and dynamic manners. We further suggest a nonlinear photonic crystal circuit as one of the possibilities to realize our results.