non-linear optical effect

An effect brought about by electromagnetic radiation the magnitude of which is not proportional to the irradiance. Non-linear optical effects of importance to photochemistry are harmonic frequency generation, lasers, Raman shifting, upconversion, and others.
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 2223 (Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)) on page 2256