Universität zu Köln

Micklitz, Tobias ORCID: 0000-0002-0459-0234 and Altland, Alexander ORCID: 0000-0002-2991-4805 (2025). Topology in the random scattering of light. Communications Physics, 8 (1). pp. 1-8. Springer Nature. ISSN 2399-3650

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Abstract

[Artikel Nr.: 297] Light scattering in random media is usually considered within the framework of the three-dimensional Anderson universality class, with modifications for the vector nature of electromagnetic waves. We propose that the linear dispersiveness of light introduces topological aspects into the picture. The dynamics of electromagnetic waves follow the same differential equations as those of a spin-1 Weyl semimetal. In the presence of disorder, this equivalence leads to a range of phenomena explored in this paper. These include topological protection against localization when helicity hybridization is weak, the emergence of exotic phases in weakly scattering media, and anomalies in optical transparency in the presence of synthetic ‘magnetic fields’. We argue that some of these effects should be visible and investigated already in weakly disordered optical materials.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Micklitz, Tobias UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0459-0234 UNSPECIFIED Altland, Alexander UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2991-4805 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-801912
Identification Number:	10.1038/s42005-025-02191-1
Journal or Publication Title:	Communications Physics
Volume:	8
Number:	1
Page Range:	pp. 1-8
Number of Pages:	8
Date:	15 July 2025
Publisher:	Springer Nature
ISSN:	2399-3650
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences > Department of Physics > Institute for Theoretical Physics
Subjects:	Physics
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/80191