Nonlinear optics

This course begins with the description of light-matter interactions, on the basis of the constitutive equations appearing in Maxwell equations. After a brief review on linear systems, the nonlinear systems are studied, firstly from a very general point of view (non local, non instantaneous, order n), secondly in the most frequent cases that are encountered in optics: sum and difference frequency generation; nonlinear propagation; Kerr, Raman and Brillouin effects; phase conjugation, self-focusing; four-wave mixing; solitons; metrology of frequencies.

Understand physical mechanisms sustending optical nonlinear reponse in matter and use these principles to select and justify the use of a specific nonlinear optical device for a photonic application.

Classical course with transparencies and PDF slides. In order to illustrate the theory, exercices are proposed to the students.

Contribution to the teaching profile

• modelisation of a nonlinear system ;

• matter physics : microscopic symmetries, electronic nonlinearities, molecular reorientation,...

• photonics : basic mechanisms for applications, such as frequency conversion, nonlinear spectroscopy, mode-locking, signal characterization, ...

• multidisciplinary problem solving : link between mathematical models and experimental devices ;

• group working, at the laboratory

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Among references that are available through the library of the university the following ones could be of some help :

1. « Nonlinear Optics », Boyd, 3eme ed., available at  http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.ulb.ac.be/science/book/9780123694706

2. « Applications of nonlinear fiber optics », Agrawal, 2eme ed., available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780123743022

3. « Extreme nonlinear optics », Wegener, available at https://link.springer.com.ezproxy.ulb.ac.be/book/10.1007%2Fb137953

4. « Nonlinear optical crystals : A complete survey », Nikogosyan, available at https://link.springer.com.ezproxy.ulb.ac.be/book/10.1007/b138685

5. « Crystallography and the world of symmetry », Chatterjee, available at https://link.springer.com.ezproxy.ulb.ac.be/book/10.1007/978-3-540-69899-9

Course notes

• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Pacal KOCKAERT Bât. C, service OPÉRA, C3.122A Email: Pascal.Kockaert@ulb.ac.be

Campus

Solbosch

Method(s) of evaluation

• Oral examination
• Written report

Oral examination

Written report

Oral exam.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Theory 60%, Lab and exercises 40%.

Language(s) of evaluation

• english
• (if applicable french )