Weak localization of waves

E. Akkermans , R. Maynard

The weak localization of waves is formulated in terms of coherent multiple scattering theory. This leads, in the backscattering direction, to an enhancement of the differential cross-section. It manifests itself macroscopically by the doubling of the backscattering intensity in a narrow cone of width Φ c = λ/l . θ(Ω)/τ, where θ(Ω) is the residence time around the incident direction. The corrections to transport coefficients are then derived both in two and three dimensions in terms of Φc. An ε-expansion around the lower critical dimension dc = 2 is then performed and leads to a wave localization threshold for d > 2 around which the critical behaviour is studied. Different kinds of experimental situations leading to the observation of this backscattering cone and critical exponents are then discussed.

Mots clés: backscatter; waves; backscattering cone; transport coefficients corrections; weak localization; coherent multiple scattering theory; lower critical dimension; wave localization threshold

Domaines: Articles anciens

E. Akkermans, R. Maynard. Weak localization of waves. Journal de Physique Lettres, 1985, 46 (22), pp.1045-1053. ⟨10.1051/jphyslet:0198500460220104500⟩. ⟨jpa-00232936⟩