A numerical approach for analyzing higher harmonic generation in multilayer nanostructures

We introduce a computational scheme for analyzing higher harmonic generation in nonlinear optical periodic nanostructures that are composed of multiple layers. Such nanostructures, i.e., photonic crystals, plasmonic nanostructures, or metamaterials, are currently in the focus of interest to enhance the efficiency of various nonlinear processes. We exploit an adapted Fourier modal method combined with a modified scattering-matrix algorithm to numerically model these processes. We explicitly present a numerically stable formulation of the scheme. The strength and the applicability of the algorithm are outlined at some selected examples. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America