Superradiance of a subwavelength array of classical nonlinear emitters

We suggest a mechanism by which a superradiant burst emerges from a subwavelength array of nonlinear classical emitters that are not initially synchronized. The emitters interact via the field of their common radiative response. We show that only if the distribution of initial phases is not uniform does a non-zero field of radiative response arise, leading to a superradiant burst. Although this field cannot synchronize the emitters, it engenders long period envelopes for their fast oscillations. Constructive interference in the envelopes of several emitters creates a large fluctuation in dipole moments that results in a superradiant pulse. The intensity of this pulse is proportional to the square of the number of emitters participating in the fluctuation. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America