Nonlinear optical effects in epsilon-near-zero materials have become an area of significant interest to the community within the last 10 years. From demonstrations of refractive index tuning, enhanced harmonic generation, and time varying interactions, a wide range of effects and nonlinear properties have been shown to be influenced by the epsilon-near-zero condition. In this talk, we will a higher level look at refractive index tuning in epsilon-near-zero materials (predominately free-carrier-based materials), highlighting why the epsilon-near-zero conditions provides increased index tuning as well as what features are intrinsic to the epsilon-near-zero condition and what features are dictated by external effects. Breaking down the interaction is intended to highlight what properties are difficult to control and what properties can be readily tuned to maximize effects. This is intended to highlight trade-offs in performance and implementation and facilitate discussion related to selecting the best materials, excitation conditions, and designs as epsilon-near-zero materials attempt to transition from laboratory curiosities to potential applications.
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