arXiv · 1202.2729
Partial nonlinear reciprocity breaking through ultrafast dynamics in a random photonic medium
Abstract
We demonstrate that ultrafast nonlinear dynamics gives rise to reciprocity breaking in a random photonic medium. Reciprocity breaking is observed via the suppression of coherent backscattering, a manifestation of weak localization of light. The effect is observed in a pump-probe configuration where the pump induces an ultrafast step-change of the refractive index during the dwell time of the probe light in the material. The dynamical suppression of coherent backscattering is reproduced well by a multiple scattering Monte Carlo simulation. Ultrafast reciprocity breaking provides a distinct mechanism in nonlinear optical media which opens up avenues for the active manipulation of mesoscopic transport, random lasers, and photon localization.
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Otto L. Muskens, Paul Venn, Timmo van der Beek, Thomas Wellens. 2012-02-13. Partial nonlinear reciprocity breaking through ultrafast dynamics in a random photonic medium. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.108.223906
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