Bistability of Anderson localized states in nonlinear random media

TL;DR

This paper investigates how nonlinearity influences Anderson localized states in one-dimensional random media, revealing bistability and nonreciprocal transmission, which enable novel all-optical control without regular cavities.

Contribution

It introduces the concept that nonlinearity can induce bistability and nonreciprocity in Anderson localized states, providing a new mechanism for optical control in disordered media.

Findings

Weak nonlinearity does not affect exponential localization.

Nonlinearity causes bistable and nonreciprocal transmission.

Numerical results agree with high-Q resonator theory.

Abstract

We study wave transmission through one-dimensional random nonlinear structures and predict a novel effect resulting from an interplay of nonlinearity and disorder. We reveal that, while weak nonlinearity does not change the typical exponentially small transmission in the regime of the Anderson localization, it affects dramatically the disorder-induced localized states excited inside the medium leading to {\em bistable} and {\em nonreciprocal} resonant transmission. Our numerical modelling shows an excellent agreement with theoretical predictions based on the concept of a high-Q resonator associated with each localized state. This offers a new way of all-optical light control employing statistically-homogeneous random media without regular cavities.