ECE 455

Lecture 6

Linear Optics Nonlinear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics
ECE 455 Optical Electronics
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes

Non- Gary Eden

Parametric
Processes
Tom Galvin
Applications
If changes need to be made to these notes,
please contact Austin Steinforth: steinfo2@illinois.edu

ECE Illinois
 Introduction

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes In this section, the following subjects will be covered:

χ(3) Processes What is meant by ’nonlinear optics’
Non-
Parametric Second and third order optical nonlinear effects
Processes

Applications
Applications of nonlinear phenomenon
 Linear Optics I

ECE 455
Lecture 6 To understand what is meant by nonlinear, it is first
necessary to understand what is meant by linear
Linear Optics The electric displacement field is most generally written as:
Nonlinear
Optics Di (ω) = 0 Ei (ω) + Pi (ω) (1)
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes
In linear optics, it is assumed that the dipole induced by
Non- an electric field is linearly proportional the the strength of
Parametric
Processes
that field:
(1)
Applications Pi (ω) = 0 χij (ω : ω1 )Ej (ω1 ) (2)
This results from assuming the effect of the optical electric
field on the medium is perturbative
The net effect of the induced polarization is to change the
effective speed of light in the material as:
q
n(ω) = χ(1) (ω) + 1 (3)
 Linear Optics II

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear optical phenomenon are characterized by

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
interactions of materials with a single photon
Optics
All of the phenomenon discussed in this class so far are
χ(2) Processes
linear optic effects
χ(3) Processes

Non- Pulses sent through linear materials may be amplified and

Parametric
Processes
phase distorted, but the output frequency is equal to the
Applications input frequency
Linear optical phenomenon are independent of the
intensity of the field
Lenses, mirrors, prisms, gratings, optical fibers, and
cavities can all be described by the theory of linear optics.
 Nonlinear Optics

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear Nonlinear optical phenomenon are characterized by

Optics
interactions of materials with multiple photons
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes Nonlinear optical phenomenon are in general a strong

Non- function of the intensity
Parametric
Processes When any system is driven hard enough, it will exhibit
Applications nonlinear behavior.
With ordinary light intensities, nonlinear optic effects are
too small to be noticed
 Linear and Nonlinear Behavior

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics P P
Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes

Non- E E
Parametric
Processes

Applications

Linear material response Nonlinear material response

 Generation of New Frequencies I

ECE 455
Lecture 6
The polarization response can be written as a power series:
Linear Optics h i
Nonlinear P = 0 χ(1) E + χ(2) E 2 + χ(3) E 3 + ... (4)
Optics

χ(2) Processes
Suppose the input field is:
χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric Ein (t) = E0 cos(ω0 t) (5)
Processes

Applications
We know the χ(1) E term is the linear part of the polarization
and is responsible for the index of refraction. The polarization
from this linear term is:
(1)
Pout (t) = 0 χ(1) E0 cos(ω0 t) (6)
 Generation of New Frequencies II

ECE 455
Lecture 6
The polarization from the χ(2) term is:
(2)
Linear Optics
Pout (t) = 0 χ(2) E02 cos 2 (ω0 t)
1
Nonlinear
Optics
= 0 χ(2) E02 [1 + cos(2ω0 t)] (7)
2
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes There are two new frequencies which weren’t present in the
Non- original signal: 2ω0 and 0. Now consider the cubic term
Parametric
Processes
(3)
Applications Pout (t) = 0 χ(3) E03 cos 3 (ω0 t)
1
= 0 χ(3) E03 cos(ω0 t) [1 + cos(2ω0 t)]
2
(3) 3 1
= 0 χ E0 [cos(ω0 t) + cos(ω0 t)cos(2ω0 t)]
2 
(3) 3 3 1
= 0 χ E0 cos(ω0 t) + cos(3ω0 t)
4 4
 Example: New Frequencies

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Problem: Two lasers with frequencies ω1 and ω2 pass through
a material with a χ(3) coefficient. Find all frequencies at which
Linear Optics there is a polarization response.
Nonlinear Solution: If we were to continue as we have been doing, we
Optics
would expand
χ(2) Processes
(3)
χ(3) Processes
Pout = 0 χ(3) (E0 cos(ω1 t) + E0 cos(ω2 t))3 (8)
Non-
Parametric
Processes and simplify it with sine and cosine identities.
Applications

However, we can recognize that when sines and cosines are

multiplied, they generate frequencies with the sum and
difference of the arguments. The polarization response
frequencies will be:

ω ∈ {ω1 , 3ω1 , ω2 , 3ω2 , |2ω1 ± ω2 |, |ω1 ± 2ω2 |} (9)

 General Rule for finding new frequencies

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Our insight from the last example can be formalized with the
Linear Optics aid of Fourier transform theory: Multiplication in the time
Nonlinear
Optics
domain is convolution in the frequency domain.
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes In general, if n frequencies are incident upon a medium with a

Non- k th order nonlinearity, the frequencies at which the material will
Parametric
Processes respond are:
Applications ωout = |ωi ± ωj ... ± ωq | (10)
where ωi , ωj , ...ωq ∈ {ω1 , ω2 , ..., ωn }.

In practice, most of these frequencies will not be observed

because they will destructively interfere macroscopically.
 Einstein Notation I

ECE 455
Lecture 6 The linear response of a material to an optical field may in
general be represented with the vector equation
Linear Optics

Nonlinear
~ (1) (ω) = 0 χ̄(1) (ω)E~ (ω)
P (11)
Optics

χ(2) Processes
which is a compact way of writing
χ(3) Processes
    
Non-
Parametric
Px (ω) χxx (ω) χxy (ω) χxz (ω) Ex (ω)
Processes  Py (ω)  = 0  χyx (ω) χyy (ω) χyz (ω)   Ey (ω) 
Applications
Pz (ω) χzx (ω) χzy (ω) χzz (ω) Ez (ω)
(12)
The above matrix equation doesn’t seem so bad; The tensor
has 9 terms (not all independent). However the tensor for the
second-order nonlinear response contains 27 terms!

We need a compact way of representing these equations.

 Einstein Notation II

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Repeated subscript indices imply summation over spatial
coordinates x, y and z. The following equation represents the
Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Einstein notation for the linear polarization.
Optics
(1)
χ(2) Processes Pi (ω) = 0 χij (ω : ω1 )Ej (ω1 ) (13)
χ(3) Processes

Non- For example, when considering the y coordinate, this becomes

Parametric
Processes h
(1) (1)
Applications Py (ω) = 0 χyx (ω : ω1 )Ex (ω1 ) + χyy (ω : ω1 )Ey (ω1 )
i
(1)
+χyz (ω : ω1 )Ez (ω1 ) (14)

Equations 11, 12, and 13 are all equivalent ways of expressing

the same idea.
 The χ(n) Tensors

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics The expression
(2)
χ(2) Processes χijk (ω : ω1 , ω2 ) (15)
χ(3) Processes

Non-
should be interpreted in the following manner:
Parametric
Processes
The coefficient of the material response at frequency ω and
Applications
polarization i due to fields with frequencies ω1 and ω2 and
polarizations j and k respectively.
 The Nonlinear Wave Equation

ECE 455
Lecture 6
In a sourceless material medium, Maxwell’s four equations are

Linear Optics ∂B~

Nonlinear ∇ × E~ = − (16)
Optics ∂t
χ(2) Processes ∂ ~
D
∇×H ~ = (17)
χ(3) Processes ∂t
Non-
Parametric
~
∇·B = 0 (18)
Processes
∇·D ~ = 0 (19)
Applications

If we take the curl of Equation 16 and assume a non-magnetic

~ = µ0 H),
material (B ~ then we may substitute Equation 17 into
Equation 16
∂2D~
∇ × ∇ × E~ = −µ0 2 (20)
∂t
 The Nonlinear Wave Equation

ECE 455
Lecture 6 ~ = ¯E~
In linear optics, the next step would be to substitute D
and go on our merry way, but the relationship between D ~ and
Linear Optics ~
E is more complicated in nonlinear optics.
Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes
~ = 0 E~ + P
D ~ (21)
χ(3) Processes = 0 E~ + P
~ (1) + P
~ NL (22)
Non-
 
Parametric
Processes
= 0 1 + χ̄(1) E~ + P ~ NL (23)
Applications
= 0 ¯(1) E~ + P
~ NL (24)

substituting this back into Equation 20

¯(1) ∂ 2 E~ ~ NL
1 ∂2P
∇ × ∇ × E~ + 2 2
=− 2 (25)
c ∂t 0 c ∂t 2
 The Nonlinear Wave Equation

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics The next step in deriving the nonlinear wave equation
 is to
Nonlinear
Optics apply the vector identity ∇ × ∇ × E = ∇ · ∇E − ∇2 E~ .
~ ~
 
χ(2) Processes
However, unlike linear optics, the equation ∇ · ∇E~ = 0 is
χ(3) Processes

Non-
only approximate. However it is a good approximation as long
Parametric
Processes
as the pulses are not too ’short.’ The resulting wave equation is
Applications
¯(1) ∂ 2 E~ 1 ∂2P ~ NL
−∇2 E~ + = − (26)
c 2 ∂t 2 0 c 2 ∂t 2
What would the corresponding linear wave equation look like?
 χ(2) Processes

ECE 455
Lecture 6
In order to possess even-ordered nonlinear coefficients, the
Linear Optics material must lack inversion symmetry
Nonlinear All nonlinear processes must obey the conservation of
Optics

χ(2) Processes
energy:
χ(3) Processes
ω3 = ω1 + ω2 (27)
Non-
Parametric
They must also obey the conservation of momentum:
Processes

Applications k~3 = k~1 + k~2 (28)

By convention
ω3 > ω2 ≥ ω1 (29)
In the context of frequency mixing, ω3 , ω2 and ω1 are
referred to as the pump, signal, and idler respectively
 Second Harmonic Generation

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes
The simplest χ(2) interaction is second harmonic
χ(3) Processes generation (SHG)
Non-
Parametric
Two photons from the source are combined into a single
Processes photon
Applications
~ω1 + ~ω1 → ~(2ω1 )
 Second Harmonic Generation Math I

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Let us examine the mathematics behind SHG. Let ω1 be the
fundamental optical frequency, and define k1 ≡ k(ω1 ) = ω1cn1
Linear Optics and k2 ≡ k(2ω1 ) = 2ωc1 n2 . The electric field in the medium will
Nonlinear consist of two parts: the fundamental frequency and its second
Optics
harmonic.
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes 1h i
E (z, t) = A1 (z)e ı(ω1 t−k1 z) + A2 (z)e ı(2ω1 t−k2 z) + c.c (30)
Non- 2
Parametric
Processes
The nonlinear polarization will then be:
Applications

PNL (z, t) = 20 deff E 2 (z, t)

0 deff h 2 ı(2ω1 t−2k1 z)
= A1 e + 2A2 A∗1 e ı(ω1 t−(k2 −k1 )z) + c.
2
Note some terms of the nonlinear polarization (such as
A22 e ı(4ω1 t−2k2 z) ) have been discarded. We’ll see why in a few
slides
 Second Harmonic Generation Math II

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Substituting the above into the nonlinear wave equation (26),
we obtain:
 2  ω n 2 
Linear Optics 1 d A1 dA1 2 1 1
− 2 + ı2k1 + k1 A1 − A1 · e ı(ω1 t−k1 z) +
Nonlinear
Optics
2 dz dz c
 2  ω n 2 
χ(2) Processes 1 d A2 dA1 2 2 2
− 2 + ı2k2 + k2 A2 − A2 · e ı(2ω1 t−k2 z) +
χ(3) Processes 2 dz dz c
Non-
deff h i
Parametric
Processes
+c.c. = 2 2ω12 A21 e ı(2ω1 t−2k1 z) + ω12 A2 A∗1 e ı(ω1 t−(k2 −k1 )z) + c.c.
c
Applications
The above equation looks horrible, but fortunately, it can be
simplified:
First note that since ki ≡ ωci ni , the last two terms in the
brackets both cancel.
2
It will also be assumed that ddzA2i  ki dA dz . This is
i

commonly known as the slowly varying envelope

approximation
 Second Harmonic Generation Math III

ECE 455
Lecture 6

From phase matching considerations, the equation can be

Linear Optics
broken into two equations: the parts that vary as e ıω1 t and
Nonlinear
Optics those which vary as e ı2ω1 t
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes dA1 −ıω1 deff

Non-
= A2 A∗1 e −ı∆kz (32)
Parametric
dz n1 c
Processes
dA2 −ıω1 deff 2 ı∆kz
Applications = A1 e (33)
dz n2 c
where ∆k ≡ k2 − 2k1

Equations 41 and 42 are coupled nonlinear differential

equations.
 The Undepleted Pump Approximation

ECE 455
Lecture 6

In the limit of low conversion efficiency A1 can be considered

Linear Optics
constant. In this limit, Equation 42 can be integrated simply:
Nonlinear
Optics
−ıω1 deff 2 L ı∆kz
Z
χ(2) Processes A2 (L) = A1 e dz
χ(3) Processes n2 c 0
 
Non- −ı2ω1 deff 2 ı∆kL ∆kL
Parametric = A1 e 2 sin (34)
Processes n2 c∆k 2
Applications
The conversion efficiency is then
2
A∗ A2
  
I2ω1 2ω1 deff 2 2 ∆kL
= 2∗ = |A1 | sin (35)
Iω1 A1 A1 n2 c∆k 2
 Second Harmonic Generation Picture

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric
Processes

Applications
 Final Thoughts on SHG

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear Small index differences severely lower conversion efficiency:

Optics
The ∆n = 0 curve on the previous slide is far off the scale.
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes
∆n = 0 is known at the phase matching condition
Non- Processes which are not phase matched are not
Parametric
Processes macroscopically observed because their efficiency is low
Applications
With careful design, conversion efficiencies approaching
100% can be achieved
For extremely short crystals, ∆n has no effect!
 Visual Image of Phase Matching Condition

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric
Processes

Applications
 Birefringent Media I

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Obeying the conservation of momentum is non-trivial
Linear Optics because in general n is a function of ω
Nonlinear
Optics ωn(ω)
χ(2) Processes
k(ω) = (36)
c
χ(3) Processes

Non- Therefore in general k(ω1 + ω2 ) 6= k(ω1 ) + k(ω2 )

Parametric
Processes In order to overcome this difficulty, the properties of
Applications birefringent crystals are used
Uniaxial media have indices of refraction of the form:
 
no 0 0
n̄ =  0 no 0  (37)
0 0 ne
 Birefringent Media II

ECE 455
Lecture 6

For a plane wave whose ~k vector

Linear Optics
makes an angle θ with the ẑ axis,
Nonlinear
Optics
there will be two indices of ne
χ(2) Processes
refraction, depending on the
polarization of the wave:
χ(3) Processes

Non-
The ordinary index of
Parametric refraction is no
Processes
The extraordinary index of θ
Applications
refraction can be found with
the following equation:

1 sin2 (θ) cos 2 (θ) no

= +
n2 (θ) ne2 no2
(38)
 Birefringent Media III

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics Type I Phasematching involves the following two types
χ(2) Processes of interactions
χ(3) Processes o+o→e
Non- e+e→o
Parametric
Processes Type II Phasematching
Applications
o+e→o
o+e→e
 Second Harmonic Generation Example I

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Problem: BBO is a negative uniaxial crystal (ne < no ). The
Linear Optics indices of refraction for the ordinary and extraordinary axes are
Nonlinear given by:
Optics

χ(2) Processes 0.01878

χ(3) Processes
no2 (λ) = 2.7359 + − 0.01354λ2
λ2 − 0.01822
Non-
Parametric
0.01224
Processes
ne2 (λ) = 2.3753 + − 0.01516λ2
Applications λ2
− 0.01667
where λ is expressed in µm. Find the phasematching angle to
create the second harmonic of 780 nm light.
Solution: Because BBO is negative uniaxial, the 780 nm must
be input as the ordinary wave. The frequency doubled output
will be an extraordinary wave.
 Second Harmonic Generation Example II

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Evaluating the previous two equations, we find the indices of
refraction to be:
Linear Optics
no (780 nm) = 2.7595
Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes no (390 nm) = 2.8741

χ(3) Processes
ne (390 nm) = 2.4634
Non-
Parametric
Processes Setting the ordinary index at 780 nm to be equal to the
Applications extraordinary index at 390 nm yields the following equation:

1 1 sin2 (θpm ) cos 2 (θpm )

= = +
no2 (780 nm) n2 (θpm ) ne2 (390 nm) no2 (390 nm)
Solving this equation for θpm yields:

θpm = 30◦
 Non-critical Phase Matching

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Angle tuning a crystal to for phasematching purposes is
known as critical phase matching
Linear Optics

Nonlinear Critical phase matching is sensitive to misalignment, and

Optics
suffers from problems such as walk off.
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes
In special cases, the phasematching can be tuned by
Non- varying the temperature and composition of the crystal
Parametric
Processes Periodically Poled Crystals
Applications
2ω02 deff
2  
∆kL
I2ω = I 2 sinc 2 (39)
0 c 3 n3 ω 2

Efficiency is not as good as angle phase matching, but this

process is more versatile
ADD PICTURE OF PPLN crystal and its response
 Frequency Mixing

ECE 455
Lecture 6 When ω1 6= ω2
The propagation of
Linear Optics
dA1 −ıω1 deff
Nonlinear = A3 A∗2 e −ı∆kz (40)
Optics dz n1 c
χ(2) Processes dA2 −ıω2 deff
= A3 A∗1 e −ı∆kz (41)
χ(3) Processes dz n2 c
Non- dA2 −ıω3 deff
Parametric = A1 A2 e ı∆kz (42)
Processes dz n3 c
Applications
where ∆k = k3 − k1 − k2
In sum frequency generation (SFG), two lower frequency
photons combine to make a higher frequency photon
In difference frequency generation (DFG), a high frequency
photon is split into two lower frequency photons
SHG and DFG can be used to amplify weak signals or
convert a signal to from one center wavelength to another
 χ(3) Processes

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics
The general form of the χ(3) tensor is:
χ(2) Processes (3) (3)
χ(3) Processes
Pi (ω) = 0 χijkl (ω : ω1 , ω2 , ω3 )Ej (ω1 )Ek (ω2 )El (ω3 )
Non-
(43)
Parametric
Processes χ(2) effects are only observed in materials without
Applications inversion symmetry.
Can be shown that all materials have nonzero χ(3)
coefficients
 Intensity Dependent Index of Refraction

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
The χ(3) coefficient gives rise to an intensity dependent
Optics index of refraction
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes P = χ(1) E + χ(3) E 3

Non-
 
Parametric = χ(1) + χ(3) |E |2 E (44)
Processes

Applications
This can also be written as:

n = n0 + n2 I (45)
 Kerr Lensing

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear In Gaussian laser beams, the intensity is highest in the

Optics
center of the beam. Hence the index of refraction is
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes
highest in the center.
Non- The field turns the medium into a lens. The effect is
Parametric
Processes known as self-focusing
Applications Because the only frequency present in these interactions is
ω, dispersion is irrelevant and this interaction is always
phase matched!
 Self Phase Modulation (SPM)

ECE 455
Lecture 6 Temporal result of Kerr effect is known as self phase
modulation
Linear Optics
A pulse can be written as:
Nonlinear
Optics
Ein (t) = E (t)e ı(ω0 t+φ(t)) (46)
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes
where E (t) is real.
Non-
Parametric If this pulse is passed through a non-dispersive Kerr
Processes
medium, the output is
Applications
 
ωn L ωn I (t)L
ı ω0 t+φ(t)+ c0 + 2c
Eout (t) = E (t)e (47)

where I (t) is the instantaneous intensity of the pulse

Last term in exponential spectrally broadens pulse
Because multiple frequencies are involved, dispersion and
phase matching are important
 Frequency Tripling

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics The χ(3) (3ω : ω, ω, ω) coefficient is typically very small.
χ(2) Processes Intensities required to excite a third-harmonic response
χ(3) Processes may be near or in excess of the damage threshold of the
Non-
Parametric
material
Processes
Direct tripling is inefficient and rarely performed
Applications
To obtain the third harmonic of a laser, first frequency
double the beam and mix the output with the fundmental
 Four Wave Mixing (FWM)

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric
Processes

Applications
 Common Nonlinear Crystals

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics
Crystal Transparency
χ(2) Processes BBO Beta Barium Borate 198-2600 nm
χ(3) Processes BiBO Bismuth Triborate 286-2700 nm
Non- KDP Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate 176-1550 nm
Parametric
Processes KTP Potassium Titanyl Phosphate 352-4500 nm
Applications LBO Lithium Triborate 160-2300 nm
LN Lithium Niobate 400-5500 nm
 Non-Parametric Processes

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes In non-parametric nonlinear processes, energy can be

Non-
Parametric
transferred to the medium in which the light is propagating
Processes

Applications
 Two Photon Absorption

ECE 455
Lecture 6

E2 E2
Linear Optics

Nonlinear Virtual
Optics
States
χ(2) Processes E1
χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric
Processes
Eo Eo
Applications

Two photons absorbed simultaneously to bring atom to

high-lying energy level
Absorption enhanced by enhanced by allowed transitions
near single photon resonance
Can limit the performance of high-powered lasers
 Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS)

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes Interaction of light with an acoustic phonon in the material

Non-
Parametric
Processes

Applications
 Stimuated Brillioun Scattering (SBS)

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes
Interaction of light with an acoustic phonon in the material
Non- The scattered wave is always backwards propagating
Parametric
Processes

Applications
 Frequency Conversion

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric
Processes

Applications
 Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO)

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics Ip Isig
χ(2) Processes
Iidler
χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric
NL Crystal
Processes

Applications

Place nonlinear crystal inside cavity

When pumped with a high-intensity laser, crystal acts a
gain medium
Resulting device behaves very similar to a laser
OPOs can angle or temperature tuned
 Continuum Generation

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes
Focus a femtosecond laser into a fiber or a sapphire plate
χ(3) Processes

Non-
Exact spectrum structure is chaotic
Parametric
Processes Useful as a high intensity, broadband spectroscopic light
Applications source
 Solitons

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes
Linear dispersion and self phase modulation balance each
χ(3) Processes other
Non-
Parametric
Pulse propagates without changing shape
Processes
Nonlinear propagation equation solutions have discrete
Applications
energies and stable pulse profiles
 Two Photon Photoresist

ECE 455
Lecture 6

Linear Optics

Nonlinear
Optics

χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes

Non-
Parametric
Processes

Applications

Two photon absorption permits high contrast 3D patterning

Courtesy Sidartha Gupta
 Conclusions

ECE 455
Lecture 6
Nonlinear processes are those in which the output may
Linear Optics
contain frequencies of light not present in the input.
Nonlinear Lasers are essential for observing nonlinear optical
Optics
properties.
χ(2) Processes

χ(3) Processes Nonlinear optical interactions require a material medium

Non- (solid, liquid, gas, plasma)
Parametric
Processes Photon energy must be conserved in parametric nonlinear
Applications processes
Some photon energy is transferred to the medium in
non-parametric nonlinear processes
Momentum must be conserved in nonlinear processes
(phase-matching) in order for them to be observable on
a macroscopic scale