Optimum conditions for nonresonant third harmonic generation
Abstract
A detailed theoretical analysis of nonresonant third harmonic generation is given which includes the intensity dependent refractive indices of the nonlinear medium as an integral part. According to the third order analytic solution the maximum attainable conversion efficiency is limited only by a nonlinear parameter which is essentially the ratio of the Kerr-constants and the third harmonic coefficient. Only for values of this parameter lower than one intensity (energy) conversion efficiencies in excess of 90% (40%) are possible. The influence of the intensity distribution of the input beam is discussed. Diagrams are given from which the optimum experimental conditions can be deduced in order to get the optimum harmonic output. Limiting processes, such as 5th order effects or self-focusing are analyzed. As an example the optimum conditions for efficient frequency tripling of powerful Nd:glass laser radiation are evaluated.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- December 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977STIN...7911398P
- Keywords:
-
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Frequency Multipliers;
- Harmonic Generators;
- Neodymium Lasers;
- Optimization;
- Electric Field Strength;
- Kerr Electrooptical Effect;
- Nonlinearity;
- Polarization (Waves);
- Spectral Energy Distribution;
- Lasers and Masers