Investigation of nonlinear wave propagation in multilayered structures containing left-handed layers-a delta-function approach

We investigate nonlinear wave propagation in multilayered structures containing left-handed layers. A delta-function description is used for the dielectric function of the structure. This model enables us to calculate the transmission coefficient of the structure using a 2-dimensional map. The special characteristics of wave propagation emerging from the inclusion of nonlinear left-handed layers in multilayered structures are elaborated by plotting global transmission diagrams. Optical bistability is studied both in the case of self-focusing and defocussing nonlinearity.