Nonlinear optics did not exist as a separate field prior to the invention of the laser in 1960. Since then it has grown to include all phenomena where laser light drives material excitations beyond their linear limit. The theory of these phenomena overlaps areas of particle physics (nonlinear field theory), the physics of plasmas and fluids (optical "instabilities"), and nonlinear dynamics (optical bistability and chaos), creating a field of great breadth. One exciting new development is the search for analogues of optical effects in the waves associated with quantized center of mass motion of super-cold atoms. The recent discovery of atomic Bose condensation seems to be triggering a new field of "nonlinear atom optics". Much of the theory can be transferred from photon optics, but the new phenomenon of mass, new geometries, and interactions among the atoms of the field add new structure and create opportunities for as yet undiscovered effects. Theoretical work in this area at Stony Brook is enhanced by the strong experimental programs in the department.
Theory developed long ago for the propagation of laser beams turns out to be very similar to the "quasi-classical" theories developed to analyze quantum systems whose classical analogues exhibit nonlinear chaos. New experimental techniques have created physical systems in this borderland between classical and quantum behavior, challenging theorists to account for phenomena not readily understood using conventional methods of analysis. Some of these methods take advantage of modern concepts in geometry such as topological phase. We are exploiting these concepts not only to understand the new experiments, but also to understand old phenomena such as optical phase shifts in a new perspective.
Prof. J. Marburger (e-mail)
As former university president, John Marburger continues to take an active interest in the transfer of technology to regional business, especially in fields related to optics and optoelectronics. His own work in laser theory and nonlinear optics has stressed phenomena such as optical bistability and degenerate four wave mixing, that have potential applications in technology. In addition to providing theoretical support for faculty and students working in optics, Marburger explores transverse mode variation on nonlinear optics effects, linear and nonlinear properties of optical resonators, and various aspects of topological phase and gauge potentials in optics and wave propagation.
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