Some Remarks on the Symmetry Properties of Nonlinear Optical Susceptibilities

摘要

The intrinsic symmetry properties associated with a nonlinear polarization which is a quadratic or cubic function of the electric field amplitudes are briefly reviewed. Some simple examples illustrate the polarization properties of second and third harmonic generation, the sum and difference frequency mixing, in both cubic and isotropic non-absorbing materials. Particular attention is given to the case of circular polarized light beams propagating along an axis of symmetry. A few remarks are made on the situation in dissipative media, including the polarization dependence of the stimulated Raman effect. (Author)