Replica Symmetry Breaking in a Weakly Scattering Optofluidic Random Laser

Area of Science:

• * Physics, Optics, Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• * Coherent random lasing in optofluidic random lasers (ORLs) is characterized by narrow spectral peaks.
• * Identifying a random laser threshold is challenging due to gradual transitions in weakly scattering systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the phenomenon of replica symmetry breaking (RSB) in weakly scattering ORLs.
• * To correlate the onset of lasing with RSB and Lévy flight statistics.
• * To analyze the transition from photonic paramagnetic to photonic glass phases.

Main Methods:

• * Experimental observation of coherent random lasing using optical pulsed pumping.
• * Statistical analysis of spectral properties and Parisi overlap function.
• * Numerical modeling of critical spectral properties for RSB.

Main Results:

• * Replica symmetry breaking (RSB) was observed in a weakly scattering optofluidic random laser (ORL).
• * Lasing action coincided with the onset of RSB and Lévy flight statistics.
• * The transition to a photonic glass phase was subtle, indicated by a broadening of the Parisi overlap function.

Conclusions:

• * The study demonstrates RSB in ORLs, linked to lasing and specific statistical behaviors.
• * Experimental conditions can lead to lasing or no lasing, highlighting system sensitivity.
• * Numerical models confirm the sensitivity of the Parisi overlap function for detecting RSB.