Second harmonic generation enhancement by polarization-matched nanostructures -INVITED

Abstract

Frequency conversion plays an important role in both fundamental and applied nano-optics. Doubling the frequency of light by second harmonic generation (SHG) is a vital process e.g. in laser optics or high-resolution microscopy. SHG can be created through symmetry breaking at plasmonic nanostructures, or the local high electric near-fields of plasmonic nanoantennas can be utilized to further enhance the SHG e.g. from nonlinear crystals. Examples of SHG microscopy using cylindrical vector beams in combination with tilted nanocones and radially symmetric oligomers are shown as well as enhancement studies of the SHG from nonlinear crystals decorated with polarization-matched nanostructures.