Anderson localization

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Anderson localization, also known as strong localization, refers to the absence of diffusion of waves in a random medium. This phenomenon is named after the American physicist P. W. Anderson, who is the first one to suggest the possibility of electron localization inside a semiconductor, provided that the degree of randomness of the impurities or defects is sufficiently large. Anderson localization is a general wave phenomenon that applies to the transport of electromagnetic wave, acoustic wave, quantum wave and spin wave, etc. This phenomenon is to be distinguished from weak localization, which is the precursor effect of Anderson localization. This phenomenon finds its origin in the wave interference between multiple-scattering paths. In strong scattering limit, the severe interferences can completely halt the waves inside the random medium.

Localized states can easily be observed inside bandgaps upon structural disorders in periodic structures.

[edit] External links

• Example of Anderson localization for near-visible light
• Explicit calculations of localized states for various disorder and interactions