Nonlinear Optics of Metals; Far Infrared Lasers.
Abstract
The effect of adsorbed layers of gas on second harmonic light production by a silver surface has been studied experimentally, and the observed harmonic intensities have been found to be strongly adsorption dependent. Theories based on fundamental electronic properties of the metal are therefore inapplicable to generally employed experimental situations. In a related theoretical study, it has also been shown that difference frequency production via the ExH nonlinearity in semiconductors depends inversely on the square of the electron effective mass. This suggests that low effective mass semiconductors such as InSb may be efficient materials for difference frequency generation. A study of primary far infrared laser sources has been initiated as being preferable to sources requiring difference frequency generation. By pumping methyl fluoride gas with a 1 MW transversely excited CO2 laser a peak power of 10 watts has been achieved at 496 micrometers. Studies are planned to extend the power and usefulness of this and other far infrared lasers. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0745984
Entities
People
- Fielding Brown
Organizations
- Williams College