The applicability of time-reversal symmetry to nonlinear optics is discussed, both from macroscopic (Maxwell equations) and microscopic (quantum theoretical) point of view. We find that only spatial operations can be applied for the symmetry classification of nonlinear optical processes in magnetic, in particular antiferromagnetic, materials. An example is given where both operations (time reversal and a spatial operation) can yield different results.

• Received 12 May 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.62.13888