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Title: Merging Nonlinear Nanophotonicsand Negative-Index Metamaterials

Absract: Extraordinary properties of nonlinear optical propagation processes in metamaterialswhich enable coherent energy exchange between ordinary and backward waves of different nature are described. These processes include harmonic generation and three- and four-wave frequency mixing that allow optical parametric amplification and frequency conversion of the light waves. Striking contrast with properties of the counterparts in ordinary materials are shown, which results in sharp increase of energy-conversion efficiency. Particularly, exotic features arise in amplification and generation of contra-propagating short pulses. Novel materials, which enable such processes through support of coexisting electromagnetic or vibration (optical phonons) modes, both with positive and negative phase velocities, are proposed. The outlined processes along with quantum interference in the embedded resonant centers enable control over optical properties of the metamaterials. The concepts of unique ultracompactphotonic devices such as data processing chips, tunable nonlinear-optical mirrors, filters, switches and sensors, are discussed.

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