Polarization dependence of natural and field-induced one-photon and multiphoton interactions

Abstract

Natural and induced linear and nonlinear processes are discussed from a unified viewpoint. In each case the dependences of a nonlinear optical process on the geometry of the experimental arrangement, including the polarization of the light beams, on the one hand, and on the physical couplings on the other are separated in an optimally efficient and convenient manner. The method is based on a generalization of the quantum theory of angular momentum, in diagram notation, to all molecular and crystal symmetry groups. Recent applications of such methods, including Raman and Compton scattering, magnetic circular dichroism, Raman optical activity and the hyper-Raman effect, are reviewed and extended.