Numerical methods for generation and characterization of disordered aperiodic photonic lattices

We introduce numerical modeling of two different methods for the deterministic randomization of two-dimensional aperiodic photonic lattices based on Mathieu beams, optically induced in a photorefractive media. For both methods we compare light transport and localization in such lattices along the propagation, for various disorder strengths. A disorder-enhanced light transport is observed for all disorder strengths. With increasing disorder strength light transport becomes diffusive-like and with further increase of disorder strength the Anderson localization is observed. This trend is more noticeable for longer propagation distances. The influence of input lattice intensity on the localization effects is studied. The difference in light transport between two randomization methods is attributed to various levels of input lattice intensity. We observe more pronounced localization for one of the methods. Localization lengths differ along different directions, due to the crystal and lattice anisotropy. We analyze localization effects comparing uniform and on-site probe beam excitation positions and different probe beam widths. (C) 2022 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

We have numerically modeled two different methods for randomizing two-dimensional aperiodic photonic lattices based on Mathieu beams induced in a photorefractive media. We compared the light transport and localization in these lattices for different disorder strengths and observed disorder-enhanced light transport for all strengths of disorder. As the disorder strength increased, the light transport became diffusive-like, and further increase led to Anderson localization. This trend was more pronounced for longer propagation distances. We studied the influence of input lattice intensity on the localization effects and attributed the difference in light transport between the two randomization methods to varying levels of input lattice intensity. We observed more pronounced localization for one of the methods, and the localization lengths varied along different directions due to crystal and lattice anisotropy. We analyzed the localization effects by comparing uniform and on-site probe beam excitation positions and different probe beam widths.