GOALI: Strong Transverse Localization of Light in Disordered Optical Fibers

这项研究的目的是探索和利用横向Anderson局域化作为一种新的无序光纤中的引导机制。这项研究的关键变革属性是在光纤中引入了一种新的导光机制，除了传统的折射率导引机制和最近的带隙导引和增益导引机制。这种无序光纤是基于分相玻璃中高折射率区和低折射率区的新行为。这项研究将描述局域态的出现，以及它们在不同无序水平下的线性和非线性导引特性。最近在无序光波导中观察到了智能优点横向Anderson局域化，这种无序光波导是由光折变介质中的光干涉产生的。在这里，我们将研究光纤介质中的横向Anderson局域化。基于光纤的设置是可靠的；成熟的光纤表征技术的可用性使我们能够更详细地研究本地化现象。例如，它可以直接访问无序的折射率分布(通过扫描电子显微镜图片)，以及访问光场。基于光纤的研究也是实现光波导局部化现象的设备级实现的门户。宽带影响光纤是全球通信的主干，在制造、国防和健康科学行业中发挥着关键作用。对新型光纤的基本理解和掌握，对于美国发展下一代高速通信设备和基于光波的国防应用来说，对于国家安全和技术竞争力至关重要。

The objective of this research is to explore and harness the transverse Anderson localization as a novel guiding mechanism in disordered optical fibers. The key transformative attribute of this research is the introduction of a new guiding mechanism in optical fibers besides the conventional index-guiding and the more recent band-gap-guiding and gain-guiding mechanisms. The disordered fibers are based on the novel behavior of high- and low-refractive index regions in phase-separated glasses. The research will characterize the emergence of the localized states, as well as their linear and nonlinear guiding properties at various disorder levels.Intellectual MeritTransverse Anderson localization was recently observed in a disordered optical waveguide, created by optical interference in a photo-refractive dielectric. Here, transverse Anderson localization will be investigated in an optical fiber medium. The fiber-based set-up is robust; the availability of well-established fiber characterization techniques enables a more detailed study of the localization phenomenon. For example, it enables direct access to the disordered refractive index profile (through SEM pictures), as well as access to the optical field. A fiber-based study is also the gateway to device-level implementation of the localization phenomenon in optical waveguides.Broader ImpactsOptical fibers are the backbone of communication around the globe, and play a critical role in the manufacturing, defense, and health sciences industries. The fundamental understanding and mastery of novel optical fibers is vital to the national security and technological competitiveness of the United States for the development of the next generation of high-speed communication devices and lightwave-based defense applications.