TRANSVERSE OR OFF-AXIS LOCALIZATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC-WAVES IN RANDOM ONE-DIMENSIONAL AND 2-DIMENSIONAL DIELECTRIC SYSTEMS WHICH ARE PERIODIC ON AVERAGE

We study the transverse or off-axis localization of electromagnetic wa ves for several different random dielectric systems which are periodic on average. Unlike previous scalar wave treatments of transverse loca lization. in the present work we present results based on a full vecto r treatment of the electromagnetic fields based on Maxwell's equations . In a first system, we consider a random semi-infinite array of slabs with plane waves or finite beams of electromagnetic waves obliquely i ncident on the slab surfaces. The localization of the fields in a regi on near the surface of illumination is studied as a function of the ob lique angle of incidence. In a second system, an array of semi-infinit e slabs with random thickness is considered with an incident finite be am of electromagnetic waves initially directed parallel to the slab su rfaces. The spreading of the beam width is computed as it propagates t hrough the array of semi-infinite slabs. In a final system, we conside r a semi-infinite array of random dielectric rods (2D system) with obl iquely incident plane waves. The localization length of the plane-wave fields is computed as a function of the oblique angle of incidence an d as a function of the strength of the disorder of the dielectric medi um. All the random media we consider, when averaged over their randomn ess, are periodic on average. The above systems are studied for both p -and a-polarizations of incident electromagnetic waves, and the differ ence in the transverse localization of the electromagnetic field for t hese two polarizations is determined.