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Is it necessary to study nonlinear systems before studying nonlinear optics?

I'm currently studying linear systems theory. However, this summer I will be working with lasers and nonlinear frequency conversion devices. I want to learn as much as I can about nonlinear optics before then, but have no background in general nonlinear systems theory and am only beginning linear systems theory. Is it a futile effort to try to learn nonlinear optics without first learning about nonlinear systems in general?

Public Comments

1. No! Persevere and worry not. You're about to enter a fascinating world of optics :-) I currently work using nonlinear optical techniques (got my PhD in nonlinear absorption processes) and have never studied nonlinear systems theory. A good starting point for NLO is actually the Wikipedia articles; particularly on second harmonic generation and parametric processes. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonlinear_optics. Alternative sources include Yariv's Quantum Electronics and Boyd's Nonlinear Optics.