Nonlinear Optics : Basic Concepts

The text presents the key concepts in nonlinear optics at a level that will also be accessible to the non-specialist who wishes to acquire a foundation in the field. The principal equations of nonlinear physics are also encountered (Sine Gordon equation, nonlinear Schr?dinger equation), and their soliton solutions examined and related to nonlinear optics. The final chapter addresses the chaotic response of nonlinear systems. The book will appeal to graduate students in physics, physical chemistry and electronic engineering. The major topics include principles of the linear and nonlinear dielectronic response of matter, second-harmonic generation, four-wave mixing, and the inelastic scattering of light from matter, with attention also given to stimulated scattering. The highly nonlinear response of nearly resonant two-level systems is discussed, also in relation to saturation and self-induced transparency. Guided waves in optical fibers are explored, including the propagation of solition pulses. The nonlinear optical response of periodic structures is examined as well. This book is addressed to a broad audience interested in a thorough discussion of basic concepts. It facilitates access to the research literature, and will prepare the reader to tackle more advanced texts. One intriguing aspect of physics is its dynamic and rapidly evolving nature; exciting new fields can become moribund within relatively few years, only to revive and grow again in a dramatic and expolisve manner in response to new developments. This has been the case for the fields of optics and atomic physics. In the 1950s, and perhaps into the early 1960s, both fields appeared mature, fully developed, and perhaps even a bit dull as a consequence. The appearance of the laser has tumed both of these fields into dynamic areas of research, within which fundamental and profound questions are being explored. The research of the past two or three decades has led also to very important applications and to new devices. The dye laser, which enables a very narrow line to be tuned over an appreciable spectral range, has led to a virtual revolution in the spec­ troscopy of atoms, molecules, and the condensed phases of matter. A parallel development, readily detectable in the recent literature of theoretical physics, has been the substantial advance in OUf understand­ ing of highly nonlinear phenomena. Numerous texts are devoted to exposition of the theoretical methods which may be used to extract useful information from the important equations encountered in the various fields of physics. A survey of the contemporary literature of nonlinear optics shows that in this area one encounters a large fraction of the basic equations and principles of nonlinear physics. The text presents the key concepts in nonlinear optics at a level that will also be accessible to the non-specialist who wishes to acquire a foundation in the field. The principal equations of nonlinear physics are also encountered (Sine Gordon equation, nonlinear Schrödinger equation), and their soliton solutions examined and related to nonlinear optics. The final chapter addresses the chaotic response of nonlinear systems. The book will appeal to graduate students in physics, physical chemistry and electronic engineering. The major topics include principles of the linear and nonlinear dielectronic response of matter, second-harmonic generation, four-wave mixing, and the inelastic scattering of light from matter, with attention also given to stimulated scattering. The highly nonlinear response of nearly resonant two-level systems is discussed, also in relation to saturation and self-induced transparency. Guided waves in optical fibers are explored, including the propagation of solition pulses. The nonlinear optical response of periodic structures is examined as well. This book is addressed to a broad audience interested in a thorough discussion of basic concepts. It facilitates access to the research literature, and will prepare the reader to tackle more advanced texts. Text presents the key concepts of the field at a level suitable for graduate students in the physical sciences who may or may not specialize in nonlinear optics or laser spectroscopy. In addition, the principal equations of nonlinear physics are introduced and related to nonlinear optics. Annotation This text presents the key concepts of nonlinear optics at a level that should be accessible to the non-specialist. The principal equations of nonlinear physics are also encountered, and their soliton solutions examined and related to nonlinear optics. D.l. Mills. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [179]-181) And Index.