Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Nonlinear optics has emerged as an important tool for expanding the capabilities of conventional optical devices and creating new devices that are not possible with linear optical techniques. Nonlinear frequency mixing effects are used to frequency double or triple the frequency of light, allowing the generation of laser light at difficult to obtain UV wavelengths. Spatial nonlinear optical effects, such as soliton formation ( Figure 1: A low divergence field propagating through barium titanate), can be used to change the direction that light travels through a medium, making it possible to fabricate structures where light controls light - a precursor to an all optical integrated circuit.
Following on from the work done here at QUT, we would like to model the PR process that occurs when a field consisting of the interference of two 532 nm Gaussian beams propagates through the medium. We have a new numerical modelling process that is highly suited to analysing this situation. One intriguing observation with two interfering Gaussian beams propagating through the PR medium is that the level of self-defocusing is the same as what occurs with just one Gaussian beam. This is odd, as the intensity profile for the 2 situations is completely different, and it is this profile that determines the self-defocusing.
- Study level
- Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
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Please contact the supervisor.
Associate Professor Esa Jaatinen
