Self-consistent theory of random lasing in the time-domain

Random lasers are unique systems where lasing occurs due to repetitive scattering in a disordered nanostructure. Previous descriptions of random lasing are numerous, however a full time-dependent theory that describes the introduction of gain directly from first principles is lacking in the literature. This letter will present an analytic self-consistent time-dependent theory of random lasing that contains the results from the well-known steady-state ab-initio laser theory. This theory can also describe a number of temporal phenomena that have been observed in previous experiments and facilitates the incorporation of these devices into their envisioned practical applications.