Nonlinear Optical Parametric Processes in Liquids and Gases

Nonlinear Optical Parametric Processes in Liquids and Gases focuses on the parametric processes that occur in liquids and gases. This book examines the mathematical results that are intended mainly for their usefulness in quantifying the physical interpretations of the various concepts to actual systems. Comprised of six chapters, this text starts with a discussion on the nonlinear optical processes, and then explores the basis for nonlinear optical interactions. This book describes the various third-order frequency mixing processes and the basic properties of nonlinear interactions, including phase matching and resonant enhancement. Other chapters consider the processes of frequency mixing and harmonic generation that are used as illustrations of the basic principles. The final chapter explores the applications of several nonlinear optical interactions, with a focus on the use of nonlinear optical processes to control the propagation of optical waves or to obtain information about a material system. This book is intended for researchers and readers engaged in the study of university-level mathematics, electromagnetic theory, and atomic physics.

Table of Contents:
PrefaceAcknowledgmentsChapter 1 Introduction 1. Introduction 2. Optical Nonlinearities—Physical Origins 3. Mathematical Foundations 4. Properties of the Nonlinear Susceptibilities 5. Specific Nonlinear Effects 6. Calculation of Nonlinear Susceptibilities ReferencesChapter 2 Third-Harmonic Generation and Third-Order Frequency Mixing 1. Introduction 2. Four-Wave Frequency Mixing 3. Techniques for Phase Optimization 4. Nonlinear Susceptibilities 5. Resonant Enhancement 6. Effects of Finite Laser Bandwidth 7. Conversion Efficiency 8. Experimental Results ReferencesChapter 3 Higher-Order Processes 1. Introduction 2. Higher-Order Harmonic Generation 3. Relative Importance of Harmonic Processes of Different Order 4. Experimental and Theoretical Results ReferencesChapter 4 Limitations on Conversion Efficiency Due to Competing Effects 1. Introduction 2. Limiting Mechanisms—General Properties 3. Properties of Competing Nonlinear Processes 4. The Effects of Competing Processes on Conversion Efficiency 5. Experimental Results ReferencesChapter 5 Self-Action Effects and Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing 1. Introduction 2. Nonlinear Polarizations 3. Materials 4. Self-Action Effects 5. Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing ReferencesChapter 6 Applications 1. Introduction 2. Materials Studies 3. Infrared Up-Conversion 4. Optical Bistability and Related Effects ReferencesIndex