Theoretical study of the coherent backscattering of light by disordered media

E. Akkermans , P.E. Wolf , R. Maynard , G. Maret

A theoretical study of the coherent backscattering effect of light from disordered semi-infinite media is presented for various situations including time-dependent effects as well as absorption and amplitude modulation. Particular attention is devoted to the case of anisotropic scattering and to polarization in order to explain quantitatively experimental results. A microscopic derivation of the coherent albedo is given which strongly supports the heuristic formula previously established. In addition the coherent albedo of a fractal system is predicted. The validity of the different approximations used are discussed and some further theoretical developments are presented.

Mots clés: albedo; fractals; light coherence; light polarisation; light scattering

Domaines: Articles anciens

E. Akkermans, P.E. Wolf, R. Maynard, G. Maret. Theoretical study of the coherent backscattering of light by disordered media. Journal de Physique, 1988, 49 (1), pp.77-98. ⟨10.1051/jphys:0198800490107700⟩. ⟨jpa-00210676⟩