Light Propagation in Nonlinear Periodic Media

Abstract

This chapter describes the fundamentals of light propagation in nonlinear periodic media and provides the basis for all further results presented in this thesis. Starting from general considerations of nonlinear light-matter interaction, the photorefractive nonlinearity as an ideal mechanism for the combination of periodic refractive index structures with a strong nonlinear material response at moderate laser powers is discussed in detail. Subsequently, the concept of photonic band gaps as a result of periodicity is introduced and the influence of the band structure on linear and nonlinear light propagation is presented.