Analysis of transverse Anderson localization in refractive index structures with customized random potential

Abstract

We present a method to demonstrate Anderson localization in an optically induced randomized potential. By usage of computer controlled spatial light modulators, we are able to implement fully randomized nondiffracting beams of variable structural size in order to control the modulation length (photonic grain size) as well as the depth (disorder strength) of a random potential induced in a photorefractive crystal. In particular, we quantitatively analyze the localization length of light depending on these two parameters and find that they are crucial influencing factors on the propagation behavior leading to variably strong localization. Thus, we corroborate that transverse light localization in a random refractive index landscape strongly depends on the character of the potential, allowing for a flexible regulation of the localization strength by adapting the optical induction configuration.

Spin Hall Effect of Light in a Random Medium

“…On the experimental side, pioneering measurements at interfaces were carried out in optics [22] and plasmonics [23], and nowadays SOI of light have become a promising tool for the generation of vortex beams or the optical control of nano-optical systems [24,25]. In this Letter, we demonstrate that the SHE of light is generically present in transversally disordered media, a geometry recently exploited in the context of wave localization [5,11,26,27]. We find that the SHE emerges for beams deviating from the paraxial limit and exists even if the e ff e c Ɵ v e Ɵ m e FIG.…”

Light localization in optically induced deterministic aperiodic Fibonacci lattices

“…Compared with the periodic case, localization in Fibonacci lattices is evident, as highest intensity is predominantly located around the input center. Such localization is weaker than expected in random media [16] and diffraction is essentially suppressed in comparison with periodic lattices.…”

Coherent multiple scattering of light in ( 2+1 ) dimensions

“…In a similar spirit, in spatially disordered materials paraxial light propagation was exploited to observe the coherent backscattering (CBS) effect without interface [7], in a configuration that reproduces cold-atomic setups [8,9]. In the same context, transverse Anderson localization of optical wave packets [10] was reported in the paraxial limit [11,12]. A major drawback of the paraxial equation, however, is that it neglects the vector nature of light.…”