Nonlinear Raman-Nath diffraction of femtosecond laser pulses

We study the nonlinear Raman-Nath diffraction (NRND) of femtosecond laser pulses in a 1D periodic nonlinear photonic structure. The calculated second-harmonic spectra represent frequency combs for different orders of transverse phase matching. These frequency combs are in close analogy with the well-known spectral Maker fringes observed in single crystals. The spectral intensity of the second harmonic experiences a redshift with a propagation angle, which is opposite the case of Cerenkov nonlinear diffraction. We analyze how NRND is affected by the group-velocity mismatch between fundamental and second-harmonic pulses and by the parameters of the structure. Our experimental results prove the theoretical predictions. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America