GOALI: Strong Transverse Localization of Light in Disordered Optical Fibers

本研究的目的是探索和利用横向安德森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一种新的引导机制，除了传统的折射率引导和最近的带隙引导和增益引导机制。无序光纤是基于相分离玻璃中高折射率区和低折射率区的新行为。本研究将描述局域态的出现，以及它们在不同的无序水平的线性和非线性的引导properties.Intellectual MeritTransverse安德森本地化最近被观察到在一个无序的光波导中，由光折射介质中的光干涉创建。在这里，横向安德森本地化将在光纤介质中进行研究。基于纤维的设置是稳健的;成熟的纤维表征技术的可用性使得能够对定位现象进行更详细的研究。例如，它可以直接访问无序折射率分布（通过SEM图片），以及访问光场。基于光纤的研究也是实现光波导中局部化现象的设备级实现的门户。更广泛的影响光纤是地球仪通信的支柱，在制造业、国防和健康科学行业中发挥着至关重要的作用。对新型光纤的基本理解和掌握对美国的国家安全和技术竞争力至关重要，有助于开发下一代高速通信设备和基于光波的国防应用。

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.