Anderson localization of light in disordered superlattices containing graphene layers

We theoretically investigate light propagation and Anderson localization in one-dimensional disordered superlattices composed of dielectric stacks with graphene sheets in between. Disorder is introduced either on graphene material parameters ({\it e.g.} Fermi energy) or on the widths of the dielectric stacks. We derive an analytic expression for the localization length $\xi$, and compare it to numerical simulations using transfer matrix technique; a very good agreement is found. We demonstrate that the presence of graphene may strongly attenuate the anomalously delocalised Breswter modes, and is at the origin of a periodic dependence of $\xi$ on frequency, in contrast to the usual asymptotic decay, $\xi \propto \omega^{-2}$. By unveiling the effects of graphene on Anderson localization of light, we pave the way for new applications of graphene-based, disordered photonic devices in the THz spectral range.

We thank W. Kort-Kamp for useful discussions. A. J. Chaves acknowledge the scholarship from the Brazilian agency CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico). N.M.R.P. acknowledges financial support from the Graphene Flagship Project (Contract No. CNECT-ICT-604391). F.A.P. thanks the Optoelectronics Research Centre and Centre for Photonic Metamaterials, University of Southampton, for the hospitality, and CAPES for funding his visit (Grant No. BEX 1497/14-6). F.A.P. also acknowledges CNPq (Grant No. 303286/2013-0) for financial support.