Anderson localization, one of the most important phenomena first discovered in solid state physics, has become the forefront of many research areas in physics. Photonic systems, randomly disordered or quasiperiodic in different dimensions, have emerged as a prominent platform for studying localization phenomena. Recent discoveries in the field of localization of light are not only important for understanding the related physics but are also explored for a variety of applications including random lasing, perfect focusing, imaging, and quantum communication, to name but a few. In the past decade, light localization phenomena have been theoretically and experimentally investigated in numerous systems, from arrays of randomly disordered waveguides to quasiperiodic photonics lattices and randomly disordered fibers using incoherent, coherent or even quantum light sources.

Although Anderson localization in general, and localization of light in particular, have been at the forefront in different research areas in physics, little efforts have been made to attract readers who are not already familiar with the concept. Furthermore, several review papers have focused solely on the fundamental aspects of this subject. It is our hope to provide a more balanced approach to the complex processes like Anderson localization within this Research Topic, making it accessible for readers beyond the expert level and interesting for more application-oriented scientists. Several works on Anderson localization and its consequences in different photonic systems will be included to provide a comprehensive picture of recent progress and present a better balance between basic research and application aspects, which has been missing in the literature so far.

This Research Topic aims to provide a broad and detailed picture of recent progress in the field of localization of light, balancing fundamental and application aspects. Although localization of light in randomly disordered photonic systems can be well understood by Anderson’s localization theory, similar localization effects have been increasingly realized in many quasiperiodic photonic systems which can be manipulated conveniently. Therefore, photonics provides a plurality of different platforms for generating novel localization properties and for opening avenues to new applications based on light localization.

The Research Topic is divided into three themes:
- Anderson localization of light: This theme may include a tutorial review and new progress using randomly disordered photonics platforms.
- Localization of light in quasiperiodic photonic systems: A very recent area of research in which localization of light has been investigated in quasiperiodic photonic systems.
- Potential applications based on light localization: The aim is to present current studies on potential applications of light localization effects.

Dr. Dan T Nguyen is an employee of Corning Inc, which manufactures optical fibers and other optical components for optical communication and optical displays etc. Prof. Axel Schülzgen declares no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

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