Localization of electromagnetic waves in two-dimensional disordered systems

Abstract

We calculate the average transmission for s-and p-polarized electromagnetic ͑EM͒ waves and consequently the localization length of two-dimensional ͑2D͒ disordered systems which are periodic on the average; the periodic systems form a square lattice consisting of infinitely long cylinders parallel to each other and embedded in a different dielectric medium. In particular, we study the dependence of the localization length on the frequency, the dielectric function ratio between the scatterer and the background, and the filling ratio of the scatterer. We find that the gaps of the s-polarized waves can sustain a higher amount of disorder than those of the p-polarized waves, due to the fact that the gaps of the s-polarized waves are wider than those of the p-polarized waves. For high frequencies, the gaps of both types of waves easily disappear, the localization length is constant and it can take very small values. The optimum conditions for obtaining localization of EM waves in 2D systems will be discussed.

Wave propagation in ordered, disordered, and nonlinear photonic band gap materials

“…In two dimensions, it was found that higher order photonic gaps close quickly with increasing disorder, while the lower order gaps, especially the first one, remain open for large values of the disorder [42]. For all frequencies however, light becomes localized.…”

The effect of disorder on the local density of states in two-dimensional quasi-periodic photonic crystals

“…The role Mie resonances play in the gap formation process in PCs has been understood in analysing the effect of disorder [10,11]. In the present paper we shall take advantage of this concept to reveal the physical origin of the spectral domains with low LDOS for QPCs.…”

Complex photonic structures for energy efficiency

“…Through different photonic architectures it is possible to augment the optical absorption by, for instance, trapping light within ultra-thin films [14], or even manipulate the photon density of state [15] or slowing down light in absorbing thin films. This can be achieved by periodic photonic structures [14,15] or disordered ones [19][20][21], as it has been recently proposed in a two-dimensional system [22] in which disorder modes are on the verge of light (Anderson) localization [23][24][25].…”