Effect of local pumping on random laser modes in one dimension

We have developed a numerical method based on the transfer matrix to calculate the quasi modes and lasing modes in one-dimensional random systems. Depending on the relative magnitude of the localization length versus the system size, there are two regimes in which the quasi modes are distinct in spatial profile and frequency distribution. In the presence of uniform gain, the lasing modes have one-to-one correspondence to the quasi modes in both regimes. Local excitation may enhance the weight of a mode within the gain region due to local amplification, especially in a weakly scattering system. © 2007 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 290.4210, 140.3460.