Multipole nonlinearity of metamaterials

We report on the linear and nonlinear optical response of metamaterials evoked by first- and second-order multipoles. The analytical ground on which our approach is based permits for new insights into the functionality of metamaterials. For the sake of clarity we focus here on a key geometry, namely, the split-ring resonator, although the introduced formalism can be applied to arbitrary structures. We derive the equations that describe linear and nonlinear light propagation where special emphasis is put on second-harmonic generation. This contribution basically aims at stretching versatile and existing concepts to describe light propagation in nonlinear media toward the realm of metamaterials.