Nonlinear Optical Properties

Nonlinear optical properties refer to how certain materials respond to very intense light in ways that differ from normal, or linear, behavior. In linear optics, the material’s response—like how it bends or absorbs light—is directly proportional to the light’s electric field. However, in nonlinear optics, high light intensities cause the material to respond in more complex ways, such as generating new colors (frequencies), changing their refractive index, or producing phenomena like harmonic generation. These effects are useful in advanced technologies like laser systems, medical imaging, and telecommunications, enabling control and manipulation of light beyond everyday experiences.