Replica symmetry breaking in coherent and incoherent random lasing modes

We investigate intensity fluctuations of a weakly scattering optofluidic random laser having coherent and incoherent emission fractions. The coherent part comprises random spikes, whereas the incoherent part forms a broad pedestal in the emission spectra. Evaluating the fractional ratio of the coherent and incoherent parts of the emission, a replica symmetry breaking phase transition is observed independently in both coherent and incoherent parts of the intensity. Also, the incoherent component has higher non-zero correlation values compared to those of the coherent part, implying a larger contribution to mode coupling. Moreover, survival function analysis reveals a significant contribution of the incoherent part on determining the decay profile of lasing intensity. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America

Automated summary

This study reveals a replica symmetry breaking phase transition independently in both coherent and incoherent parts of intensity. The incoherent component contributes more to mode coupling and significantly determines the decay profile of lasing intensity.