Nonlinear Optics of Free Atoms and Molecules


Book Description

Laser physics and nonlinear optics are fields which have been intimately con nected from their beginning. Nonlinear optical effects such as second-har monic generation fulfil vital functions in many laser systems. Conversely advances in laser development quickly lead to progress in nonlinear optics. Of particular importance has been the development of tunable visible and uv lasers. With the ability to tune the laser frequency into close resonance with atomic transition frequencies, one can produce a large resonance en hancement of the nonlinearity. This permits the observation of a great var iety of nonlinear optical processes in dilute media such as atomic vapours. In recent years much of the research effort in nonlinear optics has been directed towards the use of such media, and it is this area which forms the subject of the present book. We review a wide range of nonlinear optical processes in atomic vapours, molecular gases and cryogenic liquids. At the same time we have tried to treat the subject in sufficient depth to be useful to research workers in the field. To achieve this, a measure of selectivity has been introduced by emphasising those nonlinear processes which are seen to have applications as sources of tunable coherent radiation. Thus we have not discussed in any detail those nonlinear processes whose main applications are in spec troscopy, such as Doppler-free two-photon absorption.




Nonlinear Optics of Free Atoms and Molecules


Book Description

Laser physics and nonlinear optics are fields which have been intimately con nected from their beginning. Nonlinear optical effects such as second-har monic generation fulfil vital functions in many laser systems. Conversely advances in laser development quickly lead to progress in nonlinear optics. Of particular importance has been the development of tunable visible and uv lasers. With the ability to tune the laser frequency into close resonance with atomic transition frequencies, one can produce a large resonance en hancement of the nonlinearity. This permits the observation of a great var iety of nonlinear optical processes in dilute media such as atomic vapours. In recent years much of the research effort in nonlinear optics has been directed towards the use of such media, and it is this area which forms the subject of the present book. We review a wide range of nonlinear optical processes in atomic vapours, molecular gases and cryogenic liquids. At the same time we have tried to treat the subject in sufficient depth to be useful to research workers in the field. To achieve this, a measure of selectivity has been introduced by emphasising those nonlinear processes which are seen to have applications as sources of tunable coherent radiation. Thus we have not discussed in any detail those nonlinear processes whose main applications are in spec troscopy, such as Doppler-free two-photon absorption.




Non-Linear Optical Response in Atoms, Molecules and Clusters


Book Description

The aim of this brief is to present, in sufficient detail, a non-perturbative technique for calculating optical hyperpolarizabilities. The ability to efficiently compute hyperpolarizabilities, for a variety of different molecular systems, makes this brief invaluable for those engaged in the computational design of new electro-optical materials. The resulting computation is very predictable and suitable for automation, in contrast to perturbative methods that typically rely on iterative methods. The methodology which is wholly applicable to atoms, molecules, clusters (and with some modifications) to condensed matter, is described and illustrated at a level that is accessible to theoreticians and supplemented with details that should be of interest to practitioners.







Nonlinear Optical Properties of Materials


Book Description

This book is mostly concerned on the experimental research of the nonlinear optical characteristics of various media, low- and high-order harmonic generation in different materials, and formation, and nonlinear optical characterization of clusters. We also demonstrate the inter-connection between these areas of nonlinear optics. Nonlinear optical properties of media such as optical limiting can be applied in various areas of science and technology. To define suitable materials for these applications, one has to carefully analyse the nonlinear optical characteristics of various media, such as the nonlinear refractive indices, coefficients of nonlinear absorption, saturation absorption intensities, etc. Knowing the nonlinear optical parameters of materials is also important for describing the propagation effects, self-interaction of intense laser pulses, and optimisation of various nonlinear optical processes. Among those processes one can admit the importance of the studies of the frequency conversion of coherent laser sources. The area of interest for nonlinear optical characterization of materials is also closely related with new field of nanostructures formation and application during laser-matter interaction. We show how the nonlinear optical analysis of materials leads to improvement of their high-order nonlinear optical response during the interaction with strong laser fields. Ablation-induced nanoparticles formation is correlated with their applications as efficient sources of coherent short-wavelength photons. From other side, recent achievements of harmonic generation in plasmas are closely related with the knowledge of the properties of materials in the laser plumes. All of these studies are concerned with the low-order nonlinear optical features of various materials. The novelty of the approach developed in present book is related with inter-connection of those studies with each other.




Nonlinear Optical Properties of Organic Molecules and Crystals V2


Book Description

Nonlinear Optical Properties of Organic Molecules and Crystals, Volume 2 deals with the nonlinear optical properties of organic molecules and crystals, with emphasis on cubic nonlinear optical effects and and the intermolecular bond. Topics covered include the basic structural and electronic properties of polydiacetylenes; cubic effects in polydiacetylene solutions and films; and degenerate third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility of polydiacetylenes. Dimensionality effects and scaling laws in nonlinear optical susceptibilities are also considered. This volume is comprised of seven chapters divided into two sections and begins with a discussion on the basic structural and electronic properties of polydiacetylenes as well as their methods of preparation. Cubic nonlinearities in polydiacetylene solutions and films are then examined, paying particular attention to polarization in one-dimensional media; multiple reflections of fundamental and harmonic waves; and harmonic generation in an absorbing medium. The following chapters focus on degenerate third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility of polydiacetylenes; dimensionality effects and scaling laws in nonlinear optical susceptibilities; polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities of long molecules; and resonant molecular optics. The final chapter analyzes the nonlinear optics of a wide range of compounds that are held together by intermolecular bonding and form supramolecular assemblies. This monograph will be a useful resource for physicists, physical and organic chemists, and those in the field of quantum electronics.




The Elements of Nonlinear Optics


Book Description

There has recently been a rapid growth of activity in nonlinear optics. Effects such as frequency doubling, stimulated Raman scattering, phase conjugation and solitons are of great interest both for their fundamental properties and their many important applications in science and engineering. It is mainly these applications - especially in telecommunications and information processing - that have stimulated the recent surge of activity. This book is a self contained account of the most important principles of nonlinear optics. Assuming only a familiarity with basic mathematics, the fundamentals of nonlinear optics are fully developed from basic concepts. The essential quantum mechanical apparatus is introduced and explained. In later chapters the underlying ideas are illustrated by discussing particular experimental configurations and materials. This book will be an invaluable introduction to the field for beginning graduates in physics or engineering, and will provide an excellent overview and reference work for active researchers in the field.




Nonlinear Optics


Book Description

Nonlinear Optics, Fourth Edition, is a tutorial-based introduction to nonlinear optics that is suitable for graduate-level courses in electrical and electronic engineering, and for electronic and computer engineering departments, physics departments, and as a reference for industry practitioners of nonlinear optics. It will appeal to a wide audience of optics, physics and electrical and electronic engineering students, as well as practitioners in related fields, such as materials science and chemistry. - Presents an introduction to the entire field of optical physics from the perspective of nonlinear optics - Combines first-rate pedagogy with a treatment of the fundamental aspects of nonlinear optics - Covers all the latest topics and technology in this ever-evolving industry - Contains a strong emphasis on fundamentals




Nonlinear Optics


Book Description

The field of nonlinear optics developed gradually with the invention of lasers. After the discovery of second-harmonic generation in quartz, many other interesting nonlinear optical processes were rapidly discovered. Simultaneously theoretical programmes for the understanding of nonlinear optical phenomena were stimulated in accordance to develop structure-property relationships. In the beginning, research advances were made on inorganic ferroelectric materials followed by semiconductors. In the 1970's, the importance of organic materials was realised because of their nonlinear optical responses, fast optical response, high laser damage thresholds, architectural flexibility, and ease of fabrication. At present materials can be classified into three categories - inorganic ferroelectrics, semiconductors, and organic materials. Advances have also been made in quantum chemistry approaches to investigate nonlinear optical susceptibilities and in the development of novel nonlinear optical devices. Generally, inorganic and organic nonlinear optical materials and their related optical processes are reported in separate meetings. This book collects for the first time papers covering the recent developments and areas of present research in the field of nonlinear optical materials.