Localization of light in a random grating array in a single mode fiber

Abstract

We investigate light propagation in randomly spaced fiber gratings in a single mode fiber, and demonstrate the localization effect. Localization of light in random media resembles that of electrons in disordered solids, resulting from a subtle wave interference formation. We measured the light transmission after each additional grating fabrication and found an exponential decay that follows the localization theory. An important feature of the random array is its similarity to ordered gratings in the transmission and reflection behavior at the long array regime. Besides the basic interest in localization in one-dimensional systems, random grating arrays have potential applications, utilizing the possibility to fabricate long structures with strong and broadband reflections.