Nonlinear Optics

Type: Concept

As of November 2026, Nonlinear Optics has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Cell Press (Jan 2026). Central theme of the episode, discussing advancements and applications in nonlinear optics.

Nonlinear optics (NLO) is a branch of optics that studies the case when optical properties of matter depend on the intensity of the input light. Nonlinear phenomena become relevant only when the input light is very intense. Typically, in order to observe nonlinear phenomena, an intensity of the electromagnetic field of light larger than 108 V/m (and thus comparable to the atomic electric field of ~1011 V/m) is required. In this case, the polarization density P responds non-linearly to the electr