Official description

This course offers an introduction to the concepts underlying nonlinear optical phenomena. Topics include: Basic formalism and classification of nonlinear optical processes through the framework of nonlinear susceptibilities: Non-phase-matched processes (e.g. rectification, Kerr effect, soliton generation, Pockels effect, two-photon absorption, degenerate four-wave mixing); phase-matched processes (parametric conversion, harmonic and difference frequency generation); Raman and Brillouin scattering. Microscopic (quantum) origin of nonlinear susceptibilities, and the use of nonlinear optics to generate nonclassical states of light. Connections between the classical and quantum regimes.

Students taking this course should be thoroughly familiar with the material covered in PHY1510 (Electromagnetism) and PHY1520 (Quantum mechanics). It is also recommended that they have taken PHY1485 (Laser Physics) or its equivalent.

The course will range over topics, and references, but the following is one of the excellent standard textbooks, which we'll use quite a bit:

Robert W. Boyd, “Nonlinear optics,” (3rd edition), Academic Press, Burlington, MA, 2008