Random-matrix theory of random lasers and photonic localization

C. W. J. Beenakker

Instituut-Lorentz, Universiteit Leiden

A random laser differs from a conventional laser in that the feedback is provided by multiple scattering from disorder rather than by confinement from mirrors. The statistical properties of the radiation are strikingly different because the scattering is chaotic (in contrast to integrable scattering in a conventional laser). Random-matrix theory provides a powerful tool for the study of the quantum optics of such chaotic resonators. Because it is a non-perturbative approach, it can deal with the strongly disordered regime in which the photons are localized by the interference of multiply scattered waves. The interplay of localization and stimulated or spontaneous emission is a fascinating new field of research, that is just beginning to be explored.

Outline:

I. Introduction to random-matrix theory

1. how it all began in nuclear physics
2. how it developed in classical optics
3. how it is emerging in quantum optics

II. Photonic localization

1. interplay of localization and absorption
2. vacuum fluctuations
3. photonic excess noise

III. Random lasers

1. laser threshold in a random medium
2. universality of the noise at threshold
3. mode competition