Nonlinear Optics: a look from the interaction time viewpoint and what it portends

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the efficiency of nonlinear optical phenomena is primarily governed by the interaction time between photons and matter, offering insights into why progress in nonlinear material development has been slow and suggesting potential improvements.

Contribution

It introduces a time-based perspective on nonlinear optics, highlighting the importance of interaction duration and proposing new avenues for enhancing nonlinear optical efficiency.

Findings

Interaction time largely determines nonlinear optical effects.

Current material improvements have been limited by interaction time constraints.

Potential routes for increasing nonlinear efficiency are discussed.

Abstract

I present a simple view of nonlinear optcal phenomena as being determined mostly by the length of interaction time between photons and matter. This may explain why in the last decades the progress in developing better nonlinear materials has not been as rapid as wished. A few tentative routes towards possible improvements in the efficiency of nonlinear optical phenomena are suggested.