Second-order nonlinear optical properties of chiral materials

This paper reviews work on the second-order nonlinear optical properties of chiral thin films and surfaces. We give an overview of the theoretical formalism and experimental techniques to describe the second-harmonic generation (SHG) from chiral thin films and surfaces. We also discuss the second-harmonic response of thin films and surfaces composed of chiral synthetic materials and biological molecules. In addition, we point out possible applications and the future prospects in this field.