We have examined examples of nonlinear-photonics devices that are based on the coherent interaction of light with matter. Such interaction takes place if the duration of a light pulse is shorter than the relaxation times T 1 and T 2 in a resonant medium and if the strength of the light field is so high that Rabi oscillations arise. Theoretical analysis shows that these systems have a number of advantages compared to similar devices that operate under incoherent interaction conditions of light with matter.