Abstract

Extraordinary properties of nonlinear optical propagation processes in double-domain positive/negative index metamaterials are reviewed. These processes include second harmonic generation, three- and four-wave frequency mixing, and optical parametric amplification. Striking contrasts with properties of the counterparts in ordinary materials are shown, which allow a sharp increase of frequency-conversion efficiency. Particularly, exotic features arise for amplification and generation of contrapropagating short pulses. Novel materials, which enable such processes through support of electromagnetic or vibration (optical phonons) waves with negative group velocity, are proposed. The concepts of unique ultracompact photonic devices such as data processing chips and nonlinear-optical sensors are discussed.

© 2012 Optical Society of America