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Fabrication and Characterization of Disordered Polymer Optical Fibers for Transverse Anderson Localization of Light

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Position-dependent diffusion of light in disordered waveguides.

Alexey G Yamilov¹, Raktim Sarma², Brandon Redding²

¹Department of Physics, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri 65409, USA.

Physical Review Letters

|February 4, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

We experimentally show that light diffusion depends on position in random media. Light interference in time-reversed paths alters diffusion, which we control by changing system geometry or dissipation.

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Area of Science:

Physics
Wave Phenomena
Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

Wave transport in disordered media is crucial for understanding phenomena like light scattering.
Previous studies often assumed uniform diffusion coefficients, neglecting spatial variations.
Understanding position-dependent diffusion is key to controlling wave propagation in complex systems.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide direct experimental evidence for position-dependent diffusion in open random media.
To investigate the role of light interference in time-reversed paths on diffusion.
To explore methods for controlling diffusion coefficients through system design.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of two-dimensional disordered waveguides.
Monitoring light intensity in the third dimension to probe wave transport.
Systematically altering waveguide geometry and introducing dissipation.

Main Results:

Demonstrated experimentally that the diffusion coefficient is position-dependent.
Observed spatial variation in the diffusion coefficient due to interference effects.
Showcased control over diffusion coefficient renormalization by manipulating system geometry and dissipation.

Conclusions:

Direct experimental evidence confirms position-dependent diffusion in open random media.
Light interference in time-reversed paths leads to spatially varying diffusion coefficients.
Wave diffusion can be manipulated by controlling localization and dissipation effects.