Use of a graded gain random amplifier as an optical diode

The spectral characteristics of liquid amplifying media have been used to design and experimentally realize an optical device that prevents the propagation of a band of wavelengths in one direction and permits it in the opposite direction, thus acting as an optical diode. The addition of random scattering centers is shown to narrow the width of the forbidden band. A model is proposed to explain the observations and is verified by Monte Carlo simulations. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America