Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics with Anderson-Localized Modes

Abstract

Scattered and Coupled Cavity electrodynamics explores the coupling of light with matter—ideally, that of a single photon with a single atom. Typically, this requires that the photon and the atom be confined to increase the likelihood of interaction, but scattering of light is an unavoidable product of an engineered device and is usually considered to be detrimental because it leads to loss of the photons from the cavity. Sapienza et al. (p. 1352 ; see the Perspective by Wiersma ) saw extreme light scattering as an opportunity for the spontaneous generation of localized modes of light that can be exploited to induce light-matter coupling. Thus, working with a process where scattering is considered a resource rather than a nuisance, as in this case, may prove useful for realizing robust quantum information devices.