Multiple Cerenkov second-harmonic waves in a two-dimensional nonlinear photonic structure

We report simultaneous generation of multiple conical second-harmonic waves in a two-dimensional nonlinear photonic structure when illuminated by two overlapping noncollinear fundamental beams. We show that this phenomenon is caused by the nonlinear Cerenkov radiation emitted due to the interaction of photons from each constituent fundamental beam as well as the virtual one propagating along the bisector of the two beams. In addition, by studying the asymmetric geometry of the interaction, we uniquely verify the effects of reciprocal vectors on the Cerenkov-type second-harmonic generation in nonlinear photonic structures. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America