Spatial and temporal localization of light in two dimensions

Abstract: Quasi-resonant scattering of light in two dimensions can be described either as a scalar or as a vectorial electromagnetic wave. Performing a scaling analysis we observe in both cases long lived modes, yet only the scalar case exhibits Anderson localized modes together with extremely long mode lifetimes. We show that the localization length of these modes is influenced only by their position, and not their lifetime. Investigating the reasons for the absence of localization, it appears that both the coupling of several polarizations and the presence of near-field terms are able to prevent long lifetimes and Anderson localization.