In this paper, an analysis of the energy transfer properties of non-linear systems in the frequency domain is studied based on a new concept known as non-linear output frequency response functions (NOFRFs). The new concept allows the analysis to be implemented in a manner similar to the analysis of linear systems in the frequency domain, and provides great insight into the mechanisms which dominate the non-linear behaviour. The new analysis is also helpful for the design of non-linear systems in the frequency domain.