Nonlinear optical response in patterned planar waveguides

Summary form only given. Second and third harmonic signals generated in reflection and diffraction from the surface of photonic crystal (PC) waveguides are considered as a spectroscopic diagnostic tool in two leading material systems: GaAs and Silicon. Measurements of second harmonic generation (SHG) in reflection from GaAs-based 2D patterned planar waveguides reveal resonant interaction of the impinging radiation with the quasi-guided modes of the photonic structure. Spectral and angular dependence of these effects reflects the structure of the sample and may be used for an accurate energy and momentum positioning of the photonic bands. Preliminary results of third harmonic generation (THG) from Si-based 1D patterned planar waveguides in the visible spectral range are also presented, indicating harmonic generation as a possible route towards systematic characterization and description of photonic structures.