Magnetic Field Gradients and Particle Density Effects in Second-harmonic Generation in Sodium Vapour

Abstract

A single-frequency c.w. dye laser has been used to study the properties of second-harmonic generation in sodium vapour induced by a magnetic field. Theoretical modelling shows that the phase as well as the magnitude of the generated second harmonic depends on the magnetic field strength. By using an appropriate magnetic field gradient it is thus possible to reduce the effects of phase-velocity mismatching, and this has been demonstrated experimentally. The effects of buffer gas pressure on second-harmonic generation have also been studied.