Controlling the second-harmonic in a phase matched negative-index metamaterial

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the first experimental realization of a nonlinear-optical mirror effect in a bulk negative-index nonlinear metamaterial, showcasing novel phase matching configurations enabled by periodic poling.

Contribution

It introduces the first experimental demonstration of a nonlinear-optical mirror in a negative-index metamaterial and explores multiple phase matching schemes using periodic poling.

Findings

Successful demonstration of nonlinear-optical mirror effect

Implementation of multiple phase matching configurations

Use of periodic poling to switch phase matching domains

Abstract

Nonlinear metamaterials (NLMMs) have been predicted to support new and exciting domains in the manipulation of light, including novel phase matching schemes for wave mixing. Most notable is the so-called nonlinear-optical mirror, in which a nonlinear negative-index medium emits the generated frequency towards the source of the pump. For the first time, we experimentally demonstrate the nonlinear-optical mirror effect in a bulk negative-index NLMM, along with two other novel phase matching configurations, utilizing periodic poling to switch between the three phase matching domains.