Determining second-order nonlinear optical coefficients of a sample

LDO-0473

Characterizing the crystalline structure of a material sample without rotating it

Two optical signals having respective polarization states interfere on the sample so that a second-harmonic optical signal is generated therefrom; power measurements are made on this signal as the polarization states change. The method characterizes the crystalline structure of the material of the sample material without requiring its rotation.