Fundamentals of Nonlinear Optics

Fundamentals of Nonlinear Optics encompasses a broad spectrum of nonlinear phenomena from second-harmonic generation to soliton formation. The wide use of nonlinear optical phenomena in laboratories and commercial devices requires familiarity with the underlying physics as well as practical device considerations. This text adopts a combined approach to analyze the complimentary aspects of nonlinear optics, enabling a fundamental understanding of both a given effect and practical device applications. After a review chapter on linear phenomena important to nonlinear optics, the book tackles nonlinear phenomena with a look at the technologically important processes of second-harmonic generation, sum-frequency and difference-frequency generation, and the electro-optic effect. The author covers these processes in considerable detail at both theoretical and practical levels as the formalisms developed for these effects carry to subsequent topics, such as four-wave mixing, self-phase modulation, Raman scattering, Brillouin scattering, and soliton formation. Consistently connecting theory, process, effects, and applications, this introductory text encourages students to master key concepts and to solve nonlinear optics problems—preparing them for more advanced study. Along with extensive problems at the end of each chapter, it presents general algorithms accessible to any scientific graphical and programming package. Watch the author speak about the book.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Historical Background Unifying Themes Overview of Nonlinear Effects Covered in this Book Labeling Conventions and Terminology Units Linear Optics Introduction Tensor Properties of Materials Wave Equation Determining e-Waves and o-Waves in Crystals Index Ellipsoid Applications Introduction to the Nonlinear Susceptibility Introduction Classical Origin of the Nonlinearity Details of the Nonlinear Susceptibility, χ(2) Connection between Crystal Symmetry and the d-Matrix Electro-Optic Effect Three-Wave Processes in the Small-Signal Regime Introduction to the Wave Equation for Three Fields Birefringent Phase Matching Tuning Curves and Phase-Matching Tolerances Taylor Series Expansion Techniques for Determining Bandwidth Noncollinear Phase Matching Quasi-Phase Matching Introduction to Quasi-Phase Matching Linear and Nonlinear Material Considerations QPM with Periodic Structures QPM Calculation: An Example Fourier Transform Treatment of QPM Tolerances Fabricating Quasi-Phase-Matched Structures Three-Wave Mixing beyond the Small-Signal Limit Introduction DFG with a Single Strong Pump DFG with Strong Pump and Loss Solutions for All Three Coupled Amplitude Equations Spontaneous Parametric Scattering (Optical Parametric Generation) χ(2) Devices Introduction Optimizing Device Performance: Focusing Resonator Devices χ(3) Processes Introduction Nonlinear Polarization for χ(3) Processes Wave Equation for χ(3) Interactions Self-Induced Effects Parametric Amplifiers Noncollinear Processes Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing Z -Scan Raman and Brillouin Scattering Introduction Spontaneous Raman Scattering Stimulated Raman Scattering Anti-Stokes Generation Raman Amplifiers Photoacoustic Effects: Raman–Nath Diffraction Brillouin Scattering Nonlinear Optics Including Diffraction and Dispersion Introduction Spatial Effects Temporal Effects Solutions to the Nonlinear Envelope Equation Appendix A: Complex Notation Appendix B: Sellmeier Equations Appendix C: Programming Techniques Appendix D: Exact Solutions to the Coupled Amplitude Equations Index Problems, References, and Further Reading appear at the end of most chapters.

About the Author :
Peter E. Powers is a professor of physics and electro-optics and the Brother Leonard A. Mann Chair in the Sciences at the University of Dayton. Dr. Powers previously worked at Sandia National laboratories as a post-doctoral research associate. He earned a Ph.D. in applied and engineering physics from Cornell University. His research interests include nonlinear optics and its application to other branches of physics and applied physics.

Review :
This book fills a longstanding need for a nonlinear optics textbook at an advanced college/introductory graduate level. One of its best features is inclusion of many of the subtleties that are often glossed over in other books on the subject. ! Another excellent feature is the provision of a large number of problems at the end of each chapter. --Mark Cronin-Golomb, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA The book is very well written. I like very much his writing style. His choice of topics is excellent and the book is well organized. The problem sets are also well formulated to give the students confidence in handling real-world problems ! . Professor Powers has mastered the subject matter. --C.L. Tang, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA The author introduces key concepts in simplified terms, and then generalizes to realistic treatments that emphasize how the various equations are actually used in everyday practice. The diversity of specific topics, worked problems, and homework problems should make the book of interest to a wide audience. --Jeff F. Young, University of British Columbia, Canada This book is of great interest both to students and researchers wishing to develop or expand their knowledge of nonlinear optics.aIt contains details of derivations and practical implementation that are often missing from other texts. It also has extensive problems at the end of each chapter that reinforce and enhance the material presented. --Marc Dignam, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada The author provides a sound, logically presented introduction to the subject with good coverage. --Malcolm Dunn, University of St. Andrews, Scotland