Anderson localization of light at the interface between linear and nonlinear dielectric media with an optically induced photonic lattice

Abstract

In a numerical study, we observe Anderson localization of surface modes at the interface between a linear and a nonlinear dielectric medium, containing an optically induced disordered photonic lattice. We discover the threshold for the existence of such localized modes. The influence of Kerr nonlinearity and disorder levels on the transverse localization of light at such an interface is discussed. We demonstrate the suppression of localization for lower disorder levels, as compared to both completely linear and completely nonlinear medium. We also reveal Anderson localization at the linear-nonlinear interface in the presence of a phase-slip defect, and demonstrate the suppression of localization in that case as well. © 2012 American Physical Society.