Efficient near-IR Second Harmonic Generation in II-VI Semiconductors

We have measured the absolute value of the second-order non-linear optical coefficient (d(41)) at lambda = 1.5 mum in the bulk wide-bandgap II VI semiconductors ZnTe, Cd0.8Zn0.2Te, and Cd0.78Mn0.22Te, by evaluating the second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency using a femtosecond laser source in a spectral Maker-like fringes technique. Values d(41) = 59 pm/V, d(41) = 78 pm/V and d(41) = 71 pm/V have been obtained, respectively for ZnTe, CdZnTe, and CdMnTe. High non-linearity and transparency of the ternary alloys characterize them as promising materials for operation in the spectral range for optical communications.