The effect of composition, morphology, and susceptibility on nonlinear light scattering from metallic and dielectric nanoparticles

To facilitate second-harmonic light scattering as an effective tool for sensing and imaging nanoparticles, a fundamental understanding of how particle properties affect the nonlinear light scattering process is necessary. The angle-resolved second harmonic scattering patterns, measured in various polarization combinations, from spheroidal Ag particles (80 nm in diameter) are presented for the first time and compared with those from similarly sized spherical polystyrene particles adsorbed with nonlinear-optically active malachite green molecules. Comparison of the data with theoretical models is used to determine how optical constants (related to the particle composition), nonlinear susceptibility tensor elements, and shape may affect second-harmonic scattering from nanoparticles.