Simulation of Anderson localization in a random fiber using a fast Fresnel diffraction algorithm

Anderson localization has been previously demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally for transmission of a Gaussian beam through long distances in an optical fiber consisting of a random array of smaller fibers, each having either a higher or lower refractive index. However, the computational times were extremely long. We show how to simulate these results using a fast Fresnel diffraction algorithm. In each iteration of this approach, the light passes through a phase mask, undergoes Fresnel diffraction over a small distance, and then passes through the same phase mask. We also show results where we use a binary amplitude mask at the input that selectively illuminates either the higher or the lower index fibers. Additionally, we examine imaging of various sized objects through these fibers. In all cases, our results are consistent with other computational methods and experimental results, but with a much reduced computational time. (C) The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.