William Angerer - Department of Physics and Astronomy - University ...

Chapter 7
SHG Microscopy
The majority of this thesis describes completed experiments on the linear and nonlinear
optical properties of GaN. This chapter details our ongoing work in a different
field of study - nonlinear optical microscopy. vVe designed and constructed a nonlinear
optical microscope to investigate the nonlinear optical properties of heterogeneous
systems. In addition, we have begun investigations of the nonlinear optical properties
of carbon nanotubes. vVhile we have not observed distinct second-harmonic responses
from isolated carbon nanoropes, we have made significant progress and are continuing
our work.
Nonlinear optical microscopy differs substantially from our previous nonlinear
studies. vVe briefly highlight the applications and limitations of this technique. Our
studies of the nonlinear optical properties of GaN are characterized by highly detailed
calculations and experimental techniques. Spectral features were determined
from homogeneous films with an accuracy of "V 10%. In contrast, nonlinear optical
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