I Theory of Optical Parametric Amplification and Oscillation

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the theory of optical parametric amplification and oscillation and presents a comprehensive review of the theoretical aspects concerning optical parametric amplification and oscillation, together with some instructive information on the experimental situation in this field. It is impressive to recognize how tiny corrections to the dielectric constant of a medium, as represented by optical nonlinearities, can be made to show up on a macroscopic scale, once technology has attained an advanced stage. It is the advent and further development of the laser that made nonlinear optics experimentally feasible and, in particular, led to the creation of new, tunable light sources, the optical parametric oscillators, which may prove to be valuable tools especially in ir spectroscopy.