Second-harmonic generation in the scattering of light by an infinite cylinder

We study the generation of second-harmonic radiation in the interaction of light with an infinite cylinder illuminated perpendicular to its axis by an s- or p-polarized monochromatic electromagnetic wave. With the assumption of a homogeneous and isotropic medium, we derive analytical expressions for the second-harmonic field radiated by the cylinder. The theoretical results are illustrated through calculations of the total scattered power and its angular distribution by employment of a free-electron model for the linear and nonlinear susceptibilities. The scattering cross sections at the harmonic frequency display peaks due to the excitation of resonances. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.