Multiple scattering of classical waves: microscopy, mesoscopy, and diffusion
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Date
1999Author
van Rossum, Mark
Nieuwenhuizen, Th.M
Metadata
Abstract
A tutorial discussion of the propagation of waves in random media is presented. To a first
approximation the transport of the multiple scattered waves is given by diffusion theory, but
important corrections are presented. These corrections are calculated with the radiative transfer or
Schwarzschild-Milne equation, which describes intensity transport at the ‘‘mesoscopic’’ level and is
derived from the ‘‘microscopic’’ wave equation. A precise treatment of the diffuse intensity is derived
which automatically includes the effects of boundary layers. Effects such as the enhanced backscatter
cone and imaging of objects in opaque media are also discussed within this framework. This approach
is extended to mesoscopic correlations between multiple scattered intensities that arise when
scattering is strong. These correlations arise from the underlying wave character. The derivation of
correlation functions and intensity distribution functions is given and experimental data are discussed.
Although the focus is on light scattering, the theory is also applicable to microwaves, sound waves, and
noninteracting electrons. [S0034-6861(99)00601-7]