Far-field distribution of third-harmonic generation by two crossed beams

Abstract.

The far-field intensity distribution of the third harmonic generated in a thin silica plate by two laser beams crossed at a small angle comprises four peaks approximately symmetric with respect to the bisector. The measurement of the intensity ratio of the inner to the outer peaks yielded values scattered from 10 to 20, surprisingly larger than the combinatorial value 9. The phase-matching factor, as determined by the full three-dimensional calculations required by the absence of axial symmetry, accounts for the observed ratio and its fluctuations.