Second harmonic generation from strongly coupled localized and propagating phonon-polariton modes

We experimentally investigate second harmonic generation from strongly coupled localized and propagative phonon-polariton modes in arrays of silicon carbide nanopillars. Our results clearly demonstrate the hybrid nature of the system's eigenmodes and distinct manifestation of strong coupling in the linear and nonlinear responses. While in linear reflectivity the intensity of the two strongly coupled branches is essentially symmetric and well explained by their respective localized or propagative components, the second harmonic signal presents a strong asymmetry. Analyzing it in detail, we reveal the importance of interference effects between the nonlinear polarization terms originating in the bulk and in the phonon-polariton modes.