We study wave transmission through one-dimensional random nonlinear structures and predict a novel effect resulting from an interplay of nonlinearity and disorder. We reveal that, while weak nonlinearity does not change the typical exponentially small transmission in the regime of the Anderson localization, it affects dramatically the disorder-induced localized states excited inside the medium leading to bistable and nonreciprocal resonant transmission. Our numerical modeling shows an excellent agreement with theoretical predictions based on the concept of a high-$Q$ resonator associated with each localized state. This offers a new way for all-optical light control employing statistically homogeneous random media without regular cavities.

• Received 8 December 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.123902