An analytical theory is developed for parametric interactions in metamaterial multilayer structures with simultaneous nonlinear electronic and magnetic responses and with a near-zero refractive index. We demonstrate theoretically that electromagnetic fields of certain frequencies can be parametrically shielded by a nonlinear left-handed material slab, where the permittivity and permeability are both negative. The skin depth is tunable, and even in the absence of material absorption, can be much less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic field being shielded. This exotic behavior is a consequence of the intricate nonlinear response in the left-handed materials and vanishing optical refractive index at the pump frequency.

• Received 23 October 2007
• Revised 7 December 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.063901