General Theory for the Surface Second-Harmonic Generation Yield

TL;DR

This paper extends a three-layer model for surface second-harmonic generation to include elliptically polarized incident light, enhancing its applicability to thin films and 2D materials by providing a more general polarization framework.

Contribution

It introduces algebraic expressions for the three-layer SHG model that incorporate elliptically polarized fields, broadening the model's flexibility and practical use.

Findings

Derived algebraic expressions for elliptically polarized incident fields.

Enhanced the three-layer model's flexibility for various polarization states.

Applicable to thin films and 2D materials for SHG analysis.

Abstract

This manuscript is a revision of our previous work that develops the three layer model for the surface second-harmonic generation yield; here, we add the necessary algebra to derive expressions that include elliptically polarized incoming fields. This allows yet another degree of flexibility to the previous work, as elliptical polarization is the most general polarization case possible. The three layer model considers that the SH conversion takes place in a thin layer just below the surface of a material. This layer lies under the vacuum region, and above any bulk material that is not SHG active. The inherent flexibility of this model makes it an excellent choice for thin films and 2D materials.