Anderson localization in metallic nanoparticle arrays

Abstract

Anderson localization has been observed in various types of waves, such as matter waves, optical waves and acoustic waves. Here we reveal that the effect of Anderson localization can be also induced in metallic nonlinear nanoparticle arrays excited by a random electrically driving field. We find that the dipole-induced nonlinearity results in ballistic expansion of dipole intensity during evolution; while the randomness of the external driving field can suppress such an expansion. Increasing the strength of randomness above the threshold value, a localized pattern of dipole intensity can be generated in the metallic nanoparticle arrays. By means of statistics, the mean intensity distribution of the dipoles reveals the formation of Anderson localization. We further show that the generated Anderson localization is highly confined, with its size down to the scale of incident wavelength. The reported results might facilitate the manipulations of electromagnetic fields in the scale of wavelength.

From nanoparticles to crystals: one-pot programmable biosynthesis of photothermal gold structures and their use for biomedical applications

“…Notably, no direct correlation was found between the Au's typical absorption plasmonic peaks (~ 500–600 nm) and the material's PTs' activity. This observation could be attributed to the heat generated by light scattering in particles located close to each other, promoting the heating through the Anderson Localization mechanism [ 57 , 58 ]. Indeed, small and more dispersed AuMu@pH9 particles synthesized in all concentrations exhibit weaker PT properties than the coral-shaped AuMu@pH6 particles and the crystalline AuMu@pH3 ones (Additional file 1 : Figure S4).…”

“…The major mechanism of this phenomenon is the PT due to absorbance at the plasmonic resonance, which can be tuned by means of the size of the AuNP[ 57 ]. However, it was shown that even the off-resonance PT effect could be present in such a system which may be originated from light localization effects [ 57 , 58 ].…”

Generating randomness: making the most out of disordering a false order into a real one

“…The generated Anderson localization is highly confined, with its size limited to the scale of the incident wavelength. The data facilitate the manipulations of electromagnetic fields in the scale of the wavelength [23]. A 2D mixed state for the polarization of light is represented by a combination of a pure state and a fully random state.…”

Characterization of spatiotemporal chaos in arrays of nonlinear plasmonic nanoparticles

“…Other fascinating possibilities have been recently foreseen in exploiting third-order susceptibility of metal nanosystems, as they exhibit particular nonlinear plasmonics modes. The latter could be used for conceiving active photonic devices allowing to manipulate light in a new way: metal nanoantennas with Kerr-like susceptibility can show self-oscillation [14] and radiation switching [15], while oneor two-dimensional periodic assemblies of MNPs have recently been theoretically demonstrated to support bistability, switching waves [16], localized states like bright or dark solitons or oscillons [17][18][19], and Anderson localization [20]. However, little work has been performed on the extreme and fascinating case of spatiotemporal chaos.…”