Position-dependent radiative transfer as a tool for studying Anderson localization: Delay time, time-reversal and coherent backscattering

TL;DR

This paper investigates how position-dependent diffusion influences wave delay, confinement, and backscattering in localized media, introducing new models and theoretical approaches relevant for experimental disordered systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perturbational approach based on self-consistent localization theory to analyze wave transport phenomena in disordered media.

Findings

Position-dependent diffusion affects delay time and backscattering.

Energy transport velocity definitions are proposed.

Results are applicable to realistic disordered wave guides.

Abstract

Previous work has established that the localized regime of wave transport in open media is characterized by a position-dependent diffusion coefficient. In this work we study how the concept of position-dependent diffusion affects the delay time, the transverse confinement, the coherent backscattering, and the time reversal of waves. Definitions of energy transport velocity of localized waves are proposed. We start with a phenomenological model of radiative transfer and then present a novel perturbational approach based on the self-consistent theory of localization. The latter allows us to obtain results relevant for realistic experiments in disordered quasi-1D wave guides and 3D slabs.