Analysis of disordered nonlinear domain statistics via second harmonic diffraction

Abstract

We present an indirect and non-destructive optical method for domain statistic characterization in disordered nonlinear crystals, having a spatially random distribution of ferroelectric domains with homogeneous refractive index. This method, based on a combination of numerical simulations and experimental measurements, analyses the wavelengthdependent second harmonic spatial distribution. We apply this technique to the characterization of two different random media, with drastically different statistical distributions of ferroelectric domains.