Coherent Nonlinear Optics, Backward Waves and Negative Spatial Dispersion

Alexander K. Popov is a research professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. His research interests include nonlinear optics in negative-index metamaterials, resonant laser-matter interactions and laser-driven processes in metal nanocomposites. His work has led to more than 450 articles/book chapters and 4 books. He is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America. He received a Doctoral Degree in Physics and Mathematics from Krasnoyarsk Institute of Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He worked in the Novosibirsk Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and then founded and headed the Research Department of Coherent and Nonlinear Optics at the Institute of Physics of the Krasnoyarsk Research Center and chaired the Department of Optics and Spectroscopy at the Krasnoyarsk State University. He has been named a Soros Professor by the International Science Education Program.

Extraordinary frequency-converting nonlinear-optical propagation processes associated with backward electromagnetic and elastic waves are described. Particular realizations of negative spatial dispersion which enable such waves are investigated.