Observation of the gradual transition from one-dimensional to two-dimensional Anderson localization

TL;DR

This paper investigates how Anderson localization weakens as the effective dimensionality of disordered waveguide arrays increases from one to two dimensions by adding more rows.

Contribution

It demonstrates a controlled transition from 1D to 2D Anderson localization in waveguide arrays by increasing the array's size, revealing the impact of dimensionality on localization strength.

Findings

Localization weakens with more rows at constant disorder

Transition from 1D to 2D affects localization properties

Effective dimensionality influences wave confinement

Abstract

We study the gradual transition from one-dimensional to two-dimensional Anderson localization upon transformation of the dimensionality of disordered waveguide arrays. An effective transition from one- to two-dimensional system is achieved by increasing the number of rows forming the arrays. We observe that, for a given disorder level, Anderson localization becomes weaker with increasing number of rows, hence the effective dimension.