Efficient near-IR second harmonic generation in II-VI semiconductors

We have measured the absolute value of the second-order non-linear optical coefficient (d(41)) at lambda = 1.5 mum in the bulk wide-bandgap II VI semi conductors ZnTe, Cd0.8Zn0.2Te, and Cd0.78Mn0.22Te, by evaluating the second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency using a femtosecond laser source in a spectral Maker-like fringes technique. Values d(41) = 59 pm/V, d(41) = 78 pm/V and d(41) = 71 pm/V have been obtained, respectively for ZnTe, CdZnTe, and CdMnTe. High non-linearity and transparency of the ternary alloys char acterize them as promising materials for operation in the spectral range fo r optical communications. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.