Coherent backscattering reveals the Anderson transition

TL;DR

This paper introduces a finite-time scaling method to analyze the coherent backscattering peak in 3D random media, enabling precise determination of the Anderson transition's critical parameters using ultracold atoms.

Contribution

It presents a new analysis technique for the CBS peak that allows experimental characterization of the 3D Anderson transition and its critical exponent.

Findings

Accurate finite-time scaling analysis of CBS width

Determination of the mobility edge in 3D media

Extraction of the critical exponent of the Anderson transition

Abstract

We develop an accurate finite-time scaling analysis of the angular width of the coherent backscattering (CBS) peak for waves propagating in 3D random media. Applying this method to ultracold atoms in optical speckle potentials, we show how to determine both the mobility edge and the critical exponent of the Anderson transition from the temporal behavior of the CBS width. Our method could be used in experiments to fully characterize the 3D Anderson transition.