Linear and nonlinear optical properties of 2-(N-prolinol)-5-nitropyridine

Abstract

The optical and nonlinear optical properties of 2-(N-prolinol)-5- nitropyridine (PNP) have been investigated. The refractive indices show strong dispersion and high birefringence in the spectral range from 488 to 1064 nm. At 632 nm the main refractive indices are nx=1.990, ny=1.788, and nz=1.467. The two major nonlinear optical susceptibilities were determined (dyxx=48 pm/V, dyyy=17 pm/V). Angle-tuned phase-matched second-harmonic generation was demonstrated at 1064 nm. Type I noncritical phase matching using the nonlinear optical susceptibility d yxx is predicted for a fundamental wavelength λ=1020 nm.