Nonlinear Optics (NLO)

Most of the experiments performed during this course are perfectly described by the principles of linear optics. This assumes that interacting optical beams (i.e. beams crossing paths) will not affect each other. As the light intensity is increased, however, this assumption no longer holds; we are forced to consider the possibility of nonlinear interactions. Nonlinear optical effects manifest in a a variety of phenomena including frequency (wave) mixing, harmonic generation, self-focusing, and multi-photon absorption. The NLO experiments in this lab are designed to introduce students to some of these interactions using simple setups. Before diving into the experimental procedures, a student must have a basic understanding of the foundational principles of nonlinear optics. See, for example : http://phys.strath.ac.uk/12-370/ .