Abstract

The nonlinear electroreflectance (NER) is a very promising phenomenon of nonlinear optics of surfaces. This effect consists of the modulation of second-harmonic (SH) intensity reflected from the surface of centrosymmetric media under the influence of the electrostatic field. A conventional method of the electrostatic field application to the surface is the electrochemical technique, which allows one to apply the dc electric fields of the strength of 10⁶ – 10⁷ V/cm. The mechanism of NER in metals is not clear yet, as well as the general character of NER behavior in this case.

© 1994 IEEE