What is it about?
Our study investigates how circularly polarized electromagnetic waves behave when propagating through a one-dimensional bilayer photonic crystal with correlated disorder. The crystal comprises alternating layers of a standard dielectric with random thickness variations and layers of gyrotropic material of equal thickness exhibiting magneto-optical properties in the Faraday geometry. By introducing specific pattern of positional disorder, we elucidate how the effect of Anderson localization can be controlled, enhancing or suppressing wave transmission. Using both analytical and numerical approaches, we calculate the inverse localization length and demonstrate that such controlled disorder can be used to design wave filters. Additionally, we show that the Anderson localization can be resonantly suppressed when the thickness of each gyrotropic layer accommodates an integer number of half-wavelengths.
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Why is it important?
The interaction between electromagnetic waves and gyrotropic materials enables the creation of nonreciprocal devices such as isolators, circulators, and advanced optical filters. Our work reveals how, introducing correlated disorder in a periodic structure, to design the new-type filters controlled by a dc magnetic field. Specifically, the filter allows one to completely suppress or enhance the transmissivity for a wave of a certain frequency in any desired interval of the so called magneto-optical parameter. Then, understanding Anderson localization in photonic crystals is crucial for advancing technologies in photonics and materials science. The ability to manipulate light at the microscopic level and control wave propagation in disordered environments can lead to improvements in optical communication, sensing, and the development of new photonic devices with specific properties.
Perspectives
Future investigations could expand upon our results by exploring additional forms of disorder or different material configurations to better understand the universal aspects of Anderson localization in gyrotropic media. Experimental validation of the theoretical models would also be valuable to test the predictions made in this study. Moreover, the results have potential applications in fields such as quantum optics and photonic materials, where controlling wave propagation in disordered systems is essential for the development of new technologies. Our findings open new possibilities for designing photonic devices that leverage correlated disorder as a functional feature rather than a flaw. Further research could extend this approach to multi-dimensional photonic crystals and other electromagnetic waveguiding systems. In addition, the resonance phenomena observed in gyrotropic bilayers give rise to potential advancements in sensor technology, where wave behavior could be precisely tuned for optimal sensitivity. These insights pave the way for innovative components in next-generation optical and microwave technologies.
Prof. NYKOLAY MAKAROV
Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Anderson localization of circularly polarized waves in a gyrotropic superlattice with correlated disorder, Low Temperature Physics, December 2024, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/10.0034336.
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