The inverse problem for second harmonic generation with amplitude-modulated pulses

For second harmonic generation, when restricted to one space dimension and pure amplitude modulation, we establish a direct relation between the incid ent pulse-shape of the fundamental wave and the asymptotic pulse-shape of t he harmonic wave. In particular, we show that the inverse problem - i.e., t o determine the input pulse-shape in order to achieve a required output pul se-shape - is much easier to solve than the forward problem. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.