Optical Second Harmonic Generation in Semiconductor Nanostructures

Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) studies of semiconductor nanostructures are reviewed. The second-order response data both predicted and observed on pure and oxidised silicon surfaces, planar Si(001)/SiO2 heterostructures, and the results related to the direct-current-and strain-induced effects in SHG from the silicon surfaces as well are discussed. Remarkable progress in understanding the unique capabilities of nonlinear optical second harmonic generation spectroscopy as an advanced tool for nanostructures diagnostics is demonstrated.