Third-harmonic generation and its applications in optical image processing

Abstract

We review potential applications of third-harmonic generation (THG) in polymer composites to implement optical image processing applications at the eye-safe and technologically relevant telecommunication bands. We discuss two examples, time-gated imaging through scattering media, and image recognition using Fourier-based techniques, where THG in a polymer composite offers significant advantages over typical holographic media, in that it produces signals that are non-degenerate in optical frequency and space, and allows the development of applications that are compatible with low-cost Si-based electronic components.