Since SFG is a second-order nonlinear optical phenomenon, one of the main technical concerns in an experimental setup is being able to generate a signal strong enough to detect, with discernible peaks and narrow bandwidths.  Picosecond and femtosecond pulse width lasers are often used due to the high peak field intensities. Common sources include Ti:Sapphire lasers, which can easily operate in the femtosecond regime, or Neodymium based lasers, for picosecond operation. 
Whilst shorter pulses results in higher peak intensities, the spectral bandwidth of the laser pulse is also increased, which can place a limit on the spectral resolution of the output of an experimental setup. This can be compensated for by narrowing the bandwidth of the pump pulse, resulting in a tradeoff for desired properties.
In modern experimental setups, the tuneable range of the probe pulse is augmented by optical parametric generation (OPG), optical parametric oscillation (OPO), and optical parametric amplification (OPA) systems.
Signal strength can be improved by using special geometries, such as a total internal reflection setup which uses a prism to change the angles so they are close to the critical angles, allowing the SFG signal to be generated at its critical angle, enhancing the signal.
Common detector setups utilize a monochromator and a photomultiplier for filtering and detecting.