Localization in frequency for periodically kicked light propagation in a dispersive single-mode fiber

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Chaos
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Light pulse propagation in optical fibers is crucial for telecommunications and laser technology.
• Understanding wave localization phenomena is fundamental in various physics domains.
• Dispersive effects and phase modulation significantly influence light pulse behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and investigate a novel localization effect in the temporal frequency domain of light pulses.
• To explore the analogy between this optical effect and dynamical localization in quantum systems.
• To provide a new experimental platform for studying localization phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Propagating light pulses through a single-mode fiber with time-periodic phase modulation at discrete locations.
• Utilizing a Schrödinger-like propagation equation to model the light wave behavior.
• Analyzing the temporal frequency spectrum to observe the suppression of sideband (harmonic) spread.

Main Results:

• Observed a distinct localization effect in the temporal frequency domain of the propagating light pulses.
• Demonstrated the suppression of diffusive spread of sidebands, analogous to wave localization.
• Established an analogy with dynamical localization in quantum kicked rotors and Anderson localization in disordered solids.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a unique localization phenomenon in modulated optical fibers.
• This effect offers a new physical system for studying localization, distinct from traditional quantum and solid-state systems.
• Findings have implications for understanding pulse propagation in optical systems and lasers.