Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology

© Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta

Last update: 2008-12-31

Parametric Nonlinearities

<<<  |  >>>  |  Feedback

Definition: instantaneous optical nonlinearities based on the χ⁽²⁾ or χ⁽³⁾ nonlinear tensor of a transparent medium

Parametric nonlinearities are optical nonlinearities with an instantaneous response based on the χ⁽²⁾ or χ⁽³⁾ nonlinearity of a medium. They give rise to effects such as frequency doubling, sum and difference frequency generation, parametric amplification and oscillation, and four-wave mixing.

Usually, phase matching is a condition for achieving a high efficiency in such processes. This occurs only in a limited bandwidth. However, by manipulation of the parameters which influence the phase matching, it is possible to shift the wavelength range where the nonlinear interaction is strong.

Parametric processes are usually polarization-dependent: the nonlinearity itself is polarization-dependent, and at least in cases with a χ⁽²⁾ nonlinearity also the phase matching, because such media exhibit birefringence.

Bibliography

[1]	G. D. Boyd and D. A. Kleinman, “Parametric interaction of focused Gaussian light beams”, J. Appl. Phys. 39 (8), 3597 (1968)
[2]	S. Radic, “Parametric amplification and processing in optical fibers”, Laser & Photon. Rev. 2 (6), 498 (2008)

See also: nonlinearities, nonlinear polarization, nonlinear crystal materials, phase matching, group velocity mismatch

Category: physical foundations

---

---

The Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology is also available in the form of a two-volume book. Maybe you would enjoy reading it also in that form! The print version has a carefully designed layout and can be considered a must-have for any institute library, laser research group, or laser company.

You may order the print version via Wiley-VCH.

Home	New articles	Spotlight	Feedback	Advertising
Categories	Search	Quiz	Glossary	Page hits

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z