Phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a ferroelectric liquid crystalwaveguide

True phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a waveguide of crosslinkab le ferroelectric liquid crystals is demonstrated. These materials allow the formation of macroscopically polar structures whose order can be frozen by photopolymerization. Homeotropic alignment was chosen which offers decisiv e advantages compared to other geometries. All parameters contributing to t he conversion efficiency are maximized by deliberately controlling the supr amolecular arrangement. The system has the potential to achieve practical l evel of performances as a frequency doubler for low power laser-diodes. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)01829-5].