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Large third-order susceptibility and third-harmonic generation in centrosymmetric Cu(2)O crystal
Shahin E Mani1, Joon I Jang, John B Ketterson
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
Optics Letters
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Researchers measured the third-order optical susceptibility (chi((3))) in cuprous oxide (Cu(2)O) crystals. This study highlights Cu(2)O
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Materials science
- Solid-state physics
Background:
- Cuprous oxide (Cu(2)O) is a semiconductor with unique electronic and crystal structures.
- Understanding its nonlinear optical properties is crucial for advanced photonic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally determine the third-order optical susceptibility (chi((3))) of bulk Cu(2)O crystals.
- To investigate the potential of Cu(2)O as an active medium for third-harmonic generation (THG).
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Z-scan technique to measure nonlinear optical properties.
- Employed 1064 nm laser excitation for measurements.
Main Results:
- Measured nonlinear refractive index (n(2)) of 1.32x10(-10) esu.
- Determined the two-photon absorption coefficient (beta) to be 5.0 cm/GW.
- Observed strong third-harmonic generation (THG) from Cu(2)O.
Conclusions:
- Cu(2)O exhibits significant third-order nonlinear optical properties.
- The strong THG indicates potential for Cu(2)O as an active THG medium.
- Its unique properties make it a promising material for photonic devices.
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