We investigated on the interface modes in a heterostructure consisting of a semi-infinite metallic layer and a semi-infinite Fibonacci quasi-periodic structure. Various properties of the interface modes, such as their spatial localizations, self-similarities, and multifractal properties are studied. The interface modes decay exponentially in different ways and the modes in the lower stable gap possess highest spatial localization. A localization index is introduced to understand the localization properties of the interface modes. We found that the localization index of the interface modes in the upper stable gap will converge to two slightly different constants according to the parity of the Fibonacci generation. In addition, the localization-delocalization transition is also found in the interface modes of the transient gap.
We report the realization of an active one-dimensional Fibonacci photonic quasi-crystal via spin coating. Manipulation of the luminescence properties of an organic dye embedded in the quasi-crystal is presented and compared to theoretical simulations. The luminescence occurs via the pseudo-bandedge mode and follows the dispersion properties of the Fibonacci crystal. Time resolved luminescence measurement of the active structure shows faster spontaneous emission rate, indicating the effect of the large photon densities available at the bandedge due to the presence of critically localized states…
As light localization becomes increasingly pronounced in photonic systems with less order, we investigate optically induced two-dimensional Fibonacci structures which are supposed to be amongst the most ordered realizations of deterministic aperiodic patterns. For the generation of corresponding refractive index structures, we implement a recently developed incremental induction method using nondiffracting Bessel beams as waveguide formation entities. Even though Fibonacci structures present slightly reduced order, we show that transverse light transport is significantly hampered here in compa…
Quasiperiodic lattices have recently been shown to be a non-trivial topological phase of matter. Charge pumping -- one of the hallmarks of topological states of matter -- was recently realized for photons in a one-dimensional (1D) off-diagonal Harper model implemented in a photonic waveguide array. The topologically nontrivial 1D Fibonacci quasicrystal (QC) is expected to facilitate a similar phenomenon, but its discrete nature and lack of pumping parameter hinder the experimental study of such topological effects. In this work we overcome these obstacles by utilizing a family of topologically…
In this chapter, first we will address principal aspects of 1D quasiperiodicity with a particular focus on 1D Fibonacci chains. Further, the rest of the chapter will be dedicated to the electromagnetic counterpart of 1D Fibonacci structures as a relatively simplest case of the large class of photonic quasicrystals.
Room-temperature polariton repulsion and ultra-strong coupling for a non-trivial topological one-dimensional tunable Fibonacci-conjugated porous-Silicon photonic quasi-crystal showing quasi bound-states-in-the-continuum
We prove Anderson localization in a disordered photonic crystal waveguide by measuring the ensemble-averaged localization length which is controlled by the dispersion of the photonic crystal waveguide. In such structures, the localization length shows a 10-fold variation between the fast- and the slow-light regime and, in the latter case, it becomes shorter than the sample length thus giving rise to strongly confined modes. The dispersive behavior of the localization length demonstrates the close relation between Anderson localization and the photon density of states in disordered photonic cry…
Quantum walk is a key operation in quantum computing, simulation, communication and information. Here, we report for the first time the demonstration of quantum walks and localized quantum walks in a new type of optical fibers having a ring of cores constructed with both periodic and quasiperiodic Fibonacci sequences, respectively. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental results have been achieved. The new multicore ring fibers provide a new platform for experiments of quantum effects in low-loss optical fibers which is critical for scalability of real applications with large-size …
We analyze numerically localization of light in linear square waveguide arrays restricted in one dimension (``ribbons''), whose boundaries are disordered in propagation constant and/or coupling. We find that the disordered boundary induces a localization tendency in the bulk even for relatively wide ribbons.
Unintentional but unavoidable fabrication imperfections in state-of-the-art photonic-crystal waveguides lead to the spontaneous formation of Anderson-localized modes thereby limiting slowlight propagation and its potential applications. On the other hand, disorder-induced cavities offer an approach to cavity-quantum electrodynamics and random lasing at the nanoscale. The key statistical parameter governing the disorder effects is the localization length, which together with the waveguide length determines the statistical transport of light through the waveguide. In a disordered photonic-crysta…
Based on the rigorous generalized Mie theory solution of Maxwell's equations for dielectric cylinders we theoretically investigate the optical properties of two-dimensional deterministic structures based on the Fibonacci, Thue-Morse and Rudin-Shapiro aperiodic sequences. In particular, we investigate band-gap formation and mode localization properties in aperiodic photonic structures based on the accurate calculation of their Local Density of States (LDOS). In addition, we explore the potential of photonic structures based on aperiodic order for the engineering of radiative rates and emission …
We review the recent developments in the field of photonic lattices emphasizing their unique properties for controlling linear and nonlinear propagation of light. We draw some important links between optical lattices and photonic crystals pointing towards practical applications in optical communications and computing, beam shaping, and bio-sensing.
One of the most intriguing problems of light transport in solids is the localization that has been observed in various disordered photonic structures1-11. The light localization in defect-free icosahedral quasicrystals has recently been predicted theoretically without experimental verification10. Here we report on the fabrication of submicron-size dielectric icosahedral quasicrystals and demonstrate the results of detailed studies of the photonic properties of these structures. Here, we present the first direct experimental observation of intrinsic light localization in defect-free quasicrysta…
We investigate the optical properties of a photonic crystal composed of a quasi-one-dimensional flat-band lattice array through finite-difference time-domain simulations. The photonic bands contain flat bands (FBs) at specific frequencies, which correspond to compact localized states as a consequence of destructive interference. The FBs are shown to be nondispersive along the $Γ\rightarrow X$ line, but dispersive along the $Γ\rightarrow Y$ line. The FB localization of light in a single direction only results in a self-collimation of light propagation throughout the photonic crystal at the FB f…
General principles for the existence of perfect transmission resonances in photonic multilayer structures are formulated in terms of light interference described by recurrent Airy formulas. Mirror symmetry in the multilayer is shown to be a sufficient but not necessary condition for perfect transmission resonances. Asymmetric structures displaying perfect transmission in accordance with the proposed principles are demonstrated. A hybrid Fabry-Perot/photonic-crystal structure of the type (BA)^k(AB)^k(AABB)^m is proposed, combining perfect transmission and highly asymmetric electric field locali…
The role of a prominent photonic bandgap (PBG) on the phenomenon of transverse localization of light in a semi-infinite lossless waveguide lattice consisting of evanescently coupled disordered one-dimensional optical waveguides has been investigated numerically. The interplay between the underlying photonic bandgap due to inherent periodicity of the optical system and various levels of deliberately induced transverse disorder in its refractive index periodicity has been studied. We show that the PBG indeed plays an important role and its simultaneous presence could catalyze realization of loca…
We investigate numerically the effect of long-range interaction on the transverse localization of light. To this end, nonlinear zigzag optical waveguide lattices are applied, which allows precise tuning of the second-order coupling. We find that localization is hindered by coupling between next-nearest lattice sites. Additionally, (focusing) nonlinearity facilitates localization with increasing disorder, as long as the nonlinearity is sufficiently weak. However, for strong nonlinearities, increasing disorder results in weaker localization. The threshold nonlinearity, above which this anomalous…
We investigate experimentally the light evolution inside a two-dimensional finite periodic array of weakly- coupled optical waveguides with a disordered boundary. For a completely localized initial condition away from the surface, we find that the disordered boundary induces an asymptotic localization in the bulk, centered around the initial position of the input beam.
Structured materials like photonic crystals require for optimal use a high precision both on position and optical characteristics of the components which they are made of. Here, we present a simple tomographic algorithm, based on a specific Green's function together with a first-order Born approximation, which enables us to localize and characterize identical defects in finite-size photonic crystals. This algorithm is proposed as a first step to the monitoring of such materials. Illustrative numerical results show in particular some possibility of focalization beyond the Rayleigh criterion.
Anderson localization is a ubiquitous interference phenomenon in which waves fail to propagate in a disordered medium. Unlike in a classical resonator, satisfying the favorable condition for the interference in a disordered medium is truly a statistical problem in physics. Recent progress in realizing Anderson localization is mainly limited to the iterative method for optimizing the disordered medium. Availability of an in-situ, active control for optimization surely paves the way of realizing the Anderson localization and its applications. In this letter, we have proposed an electro-optic con…
We determine the range of thicknesses and refractive indices for which omnidirectional reflection from quasiperiodic multilayers occurs. By resorting to the notion of area under the transmittance curve, we assess in a systematic way the performance of the different quasiperiodic Fibonacci multilayers.
In this paper we present a systematic study of photonic bandgap engineering using aperiodic lattices (ALs). Up to now ALs have tended to be defined by specific formulae (e.g. Fibonacci, Cantor), and theories have neglected other useful ALs along with the vast majority of non-useful (random) ALs. Here, we present a practical and efficient Fourier space-based general theory to identify all those ALs having useful band properties, which are characterized by well-defined Fourier (i.e. lattice momentum) components. Direct control of field localization comes via control of the Parseval strength comp…
We present a numerical study on photonic bandgap and bandedge modes in the golden-angle spiral array of air cylinders in dielectric media. Despite the lack of long-range translational and rotational order, there is a large PBG for the TE polarized light. Due to spatial inhomogeneity in the air hole spacing, the bandedge modes are spatially localized by Bragg scattering from the parastichies in the spiral structure. They have discrete angular momenta that originate from different families of the parastichies whose numbers correspond to the Fibonacci numbers. The unique structural characteristic…
Detailed two dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations and numerical calculations of electron density profiles, based on a simplified model, were performed to show for the first time that underdense plasma, induced by two pairs of counterpropagating femtosecond-laser pulses in a gas, could be manipulated by ponderomotive-optical lattices to form periodic structures. These novel phenomena facilitate the localization and enhancement of the generating laser pulse intensities by the self-induced plasma photonic lattices (PPLs) and exhibit unique spatiotemporal dynamics. Variation of the initi…
We perform a comparative study of the Anderson localization of light beams in disordered layered photonic nanostructures that, in the limit of periodic layer distribution, possess either a Dirac point or a Bragg gap in the spectrum of the wavevectors. In particular, we demonstrate that the localization length of the Anderson modes increases when the width of the Bragg gap decreases, such that in the vanishingly small bandgap limit, namely when a Dirac point is formed, even extremely high levels of disorders are unable to localize the optical modes located near the Dirac point. A comparative an…
Nonlinear propagation experiments in GaAs photonic crystal waveguides (PCW) were performed, which exhibit a large enhancement of third order nonlinearities, due to light propagation in a slow mode regime, such as two-photon absorption (TPA), optical Kerr effect and refractive index changes due to TPA generated free-carriers. A theoretical model has been established that shows very good quantitative agreement with experimental data and demonstrates the important role that group velocity plays. These observations give a strong insight into the use of PCWs for optical switching devices.
To violate Kirchhoff s law is very important in the areas of thermal radiation. However, due to the weak nonreciprocity in natural materials, it is necessary to engineer novel structures to break the balance between emission and absorption. In this work, we introduce magneto-optical material into Fibonacci photonic crystals. Assisted by the nonreciprocity of the magneto-optical material and the excitation of Tamm plasmon polaritons, strong nonreciprocal thermal radiation can be realized. The difference between absorption and emission at wavelength of 16 μm can reach 0.9 at the incident angle o…
We control the diffusion of light in a disordered photonic waveguide by modulating the waveguide geometry. In a single waveguide of varying cross-section, the diffusion coefficient changes spatially in two dimensions due to localization effects. The intensity distribution inside the waveguide agrees to the prediction of the self-consistent theory of localization. Our work shows that wave diffusion can be efficiently manipulated without modifying the structural disorder.
We introduce a photonic crystal ring cavity that resembles an internal gear and unites photonic crystal (PhC) and whispering gallery mode (WGM) concepts. This `microgear' photonic crystal ring (MPhCR) is created by applying a periodic modulation to the inside boundary of a microring resonator to open a large bandgap, as in a PhC cavity, while maintaining the ring's circularly symmetric outside boundary and high quality factor ($Q$), as in a WGM cavity. The MPhCR targets a specific WGM to open a large PhC bandgap up to tens of free spectral ranges, compressing the mode spectrum while maintainin…
Moire lattices consist of two identical periodic structures overlaid with a relative rotation angle. Present even in everyday life, moire lattices have been also produced, e.g., with coupled graphene-hexagonal boron nitride monolayers, graphene-graphene layers, and layers on a silicon carbide surface.A fundamental question that remains unexplored is the evolution of waves in the potentials defined by the moire lattices. Here we experimentally create two-dimensional photonic moire lattices, which, unlike their material predecessors, have readily controllable parameters and symmetry allowing to …
Light localization and intensity enhancement in a woodpile layer-by-layer photonic crystal, whose interlayer distance along the propagation direction is gradually varied, has been theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated. The phenomenon is shown to be related to the progressive slowing down and stopping of the incoming wave, as a result of the gradual variation of the local dispersion. The light localization is chromatically resolved, since every frequency component is stopped and reflected back at different spatial positions. It has been further discussed that the peculiar rela…
We report on the experimental observation of reduced light energy transport and disorder-induced localization close to a boundary of a truncated one-dimensional (1D) disordered photonic lattice. Our observations uncover that near the boundary a higher level of disorder is required to obtain similar localization than in the bulk.
Traceability to the International System of Units (SI) is fundamental to measurement accuracy and reliability. In this study, we demonstrate subnanometer traceability of localization microscopy, establishing a metrological foundation for the maturation and application of super-resolution methods. To do so, we create a master standard by measuring the positions of submicrometer apertures in an array by traceable atomic-force microscopy. We perform correlative measurements of this master standard by optical microscopy, calibrating scale factor and correcting aberration effects. We introduce the …
We study dynamical reshaping of polychromatic beams due to collective nonlinear self-action of multiple-frequency components in periodic photonic lattices and predict the formation of polychromatic discrete solitons facilitated by localization of light in spectral gaps. We show that the self-trapping efficiency and structure of emerging polychromatic gap solitons depends on the spectrum of input beams due to the lattice-enhanced dispersion, including the effect of crossover from localization to diffraction in media with defocusing nonlinearity.
Residual disorder due to fabrication imperfections has important impact in nanophotonics where it may degrade device performance by increasing radiation loss or spontaneously trap light by Anderson localization. We propose and demonstrate experimentally a method of quantifying the intrinsic amount of disorder in state-of-the-art photonic-crystal waveguides from far-field measurements of the Anderson-localized modes. This is achieved by comparing the spectral range that Anderson localization is observed to numerical simulations and the method offers sensitivity down to ~ 1 nm.
We demonstrate experimentally that structural perturbations imposed on highly-dispersive photonic crystal-based waveguides give rise to spectral features that bear signatures of Anderson localization. Sharp resonances with the effective Qs of over 30,000 are found in scattering spectra of disordered waveguides. The resonances are observed in a ~20-nm bandwidth centered at the cutoff of slowly-guided Bloch-modes. Their origin can be explained with interference of coherently scattered electromagnetic waves which results in the formation of a narrow impurity (or localization) band populated with …
We predict a generic mechanism of wave localization at an interface between uniform gauge fields, arising due to propagation-dependent phase accumulation similar to Aharonov-Bohm phenomenon. We realize experimentally a photonic mesh lattice with real-time control over the vector gauge field, and observe robust localization under a broad variation of gauge strength and direction, as well as structural lattice parameters. This suggests new possibilities for confining and guiding waves in diverse physical systems through the synthetic gauge fields.
Photonic bandgap engineering using aperiodic lattices (ALs) is systematically studied. Up to now ALs have tended to be defined by specific formulae (e.g. Fibonacci, Cantor), and theories have neglected other useful ALs along with the vast majority of non-useful (random) ALs. Here we present a practical and efficient Fourier space-based general theory, to identify all those ALs having useful band properties, which are characterized by well-defined Fourier (i.e. lattice momentum) components. Direct real-space optimization of ALs tends to be computationally demanding, and is also difficult to gen…
The analogue of the paramagnetic to spin-glass phase transition in disordered magnetic systems, leading to the phenomenon of replica symmetry breaking, has been recently demonstrated in a two-dimensional random laser consisting of an organic-based amorphous solid-state thin film. We report here the first demonstration of replica symmetry breaking in a one-dimensional photonic system consisting of an erbium-doped random fiber laser operating in the continuous-wave regime based on a unique random fiber grating system, which plays the role of the random scatterers and operates in the Anderson loc…
Topological insulators and topological superconductors are distinguished by their bulk phase transitions and gapless states at a sharp boundary with the vacuum. Quasicrystals have recently been found to be topologically nontrivial. In quasicrystals, the bulk phase transitions occur in the same manner as standard topological materials, but their boundary phenomena are more subtle. In this Letter we directly observe bulk phase transitions, using photonic quasicrystals, by constructing a smooth boundary between topologically distinct one-dimensional quasicrystals. Moreover, we use the same method…
The frequency correlations of light in complex photonic media are of interest as a tool for characterizing the dynamical aspects of light diffusion. We demonstrate here that the frequency correlation shows a pronounced angle dependence both in transmission and in reflection geometries. Using a broadband white light supercontinuum, this angle dependence is characterized and explained theoretically by a combination of propagation effects outside the medium and coherent backscattering. We report a strong dependence of the coherent backscattering contribution on the scattering strength which canno…
We propose and analyze novel surface-state-based waveguides in bandgap photonic crystals. We discuss surface mode band structure, field localization and effect of imperfections on the waveguiding properties of the surface modes. We demonstrate that surface-state-based waveguides can be used to achieve directional emission out of the waveguide. We also discuss the application of the surface-state waveguides as efficient light couplers for conventional photonic crystal waveguides.
We propose a framework that unifies the description of light transport in three-dimensional amorphous dielectric materials that exhibit both localization and a photonic bandgap. To this end, we argue that coherent reflection near and in the bandgap attenuates the generation of diffuse or localized photons. Using the self-consistent theory of localization and considering the density of states of photons, we can quantitatively describe all transport regimes: Transparency, light diffusion, localization, and bandgap. Comparing the model with numerical data on optical transport in hyperuniform diel…
We review both theoretical and experimental advances in the recently emerged physics of modulated photonic lattices. Artificial periodic dielectric media, such as photonic crystals and photonic lattices, provide a powerful tool for the control of the fundamental properties of light propagation in photonic structures. Photonic lattices are arrays of coupled optical waveguides, where the light propagation becomes effectively discretized. Such photonic structures allow one to study many useful optical analogies with other fields, such as the physics of solid state and electron theory. In particul…