Linearizing nonlinear optics

In the framework of linear optics, light fields do not interact with each other in a medium. Yet, when their field amplitude becomes comparable to the electron binding energies of matter, the nonlinear motion of these electrons emits new dipole radiation whose amplitude, frequency and phase differ from the incoming fields. Such high fields are typically achieved with ultra-short, femtosecond (1fs = 10-15 sec.) laser pulses containing very broad frequency spectra. Here, the matter not only couples incoming and outgoing fields but also causes different spectral components to interact and mix through a convolution process. In this contribution, we describe how frequency domain nonlinear optics overcomes the shortcomings arising from this convolution in conventional time domain nonlinear optics1. We generate light fields with previously inaccessible properties because the uncontrolled coupling of amplitudes and phases is turned off. For example, arbitrary phase functions are transferred linearly to the second harmonic frequency while maintaining the exact shape of the input power spectrum squared. This nonlinear control over output amplitudes and phases opens up new avenues for applications based on manipulation of coherent light fields. One could investigate c.f. the effect of tailored nonlinear perturbations on the evolution of discrete eigenmodes in Anderson localization2. Our approach might also open a new chapter for controlling electronic and vibrational couplings in 2D-spectroscopy3 by the geometrical optical arrangement

Diffractive Nonlinear Geometrical Optics for Variational Wave Equations and the Einstein Equations

We derive an asymptotic solution of the vacuum Einstein equations that describes the propagation and diffraction of a localized, large-amplitude, rapidly-varying gravitational wave. We compare and contrast the resulting theory of strongly nonlinear geometrical optics for the Einstein equations with nonlinear geometrical optics theories for variational wave equations

Time-reversed wave mixing in nonlinear optics

Time-reversal symmetry is important to optics. In linear optics, a time-reversed process to laser emission enables total absorption of coherent light fields into an optical cavity of loss by time-reversing the original gain medium. In nonlinear optics, time symmetry exists for some well-known processes such as parametric up/down conversion, sum/difference frequency generation, however, combining exact time-reversal symmetry with nonlinear wave mixings is yet explored till now. Here, we demonstrate time reversed wave mixings for second harmonic generation (SHG) and optical parametric amplification (OPA). This enables us to observe the annihilation of coherent beams under time-reversal symmetry by varying the relative phase of the incident fields. Our study offers new avenues for flexible control in nonlinear optics and potential applications in efficient wavelength conversion, all-optical computing.Comment: 18 pages, 4 figure

Research on nonlinear optical materials: an assessment. IV. Photorefractive and liquid crystal materials

This panel considered two separate subject areas: photorefractive materials used for nonlinear optics and liquid crystal materials used in light valves. Two related subjects were not considered due to lack of expertise on the panel: photorefractive materials used in light valves and liquid crystal materials used in nonlinear optics. Although the inclusion of a discussion of light valves by a panel on nonlinear optical materials at first seems odd, it is logical because light valves and photorefractive materials perform common functions

Ring for test of nonlinear integrable optics

Nonlinear optics is a promising idea potentially opening the path towards achieving super high beam intensities in circular accelerators. Creation of a tune spread reaching 50% of the betatron tune would provide strong Landau damping and make the beam immune to instabilities. Recent theoretical work has identified a possible way to implement stable nonlinear optics by incorporating nonlinear focusing elements into a specially designed machine lattice. In this report we propose the design of a test accelerator for a proof-of-principle experiment. We discuss possible studies at the machine, requirements on the optics stability and sensitivity to imperfections.Comment: 3 pp. Particle Accelerator, 24th Conference (PAC'11) 28 Mar - 1 Apr 2011: New York, US

Nonlinear and Quantum Optics with Whispering Gallery Resonators

Optical Whispering Gallery Modes (WGMs) derive their name from a famous acoustic phenomenon of guiding a wave by a curved boundary observed nearly a century ago. This phenomenon has a rather general nature, equally applicable to sound and all other waves. It enables resonators of unique properties attractive both in science and engineering. Very high quality factors of optical WGM resonators persisting in a wide wavelength range spanning from radio frequencies to ultraviolet light, their small mode volume, and tunable in- and out- coupling make them exceptionally efficient for nonlinear optical applications. Nonlinear optics facilitates interaction of photons with each other and with other physical systems, and is of prime importance in quantum optics. In this paper we review numerous applications of WGM resonators in nonlinear and quantum optics. We outline the current areas of interest, summarize progress, highlight difficulties, and discuss possible future development trends in these areas.Comment: This is a review paper with 615 references, submitted to J. Op