Wave propagation through disordered media without backscattering and intensity variations

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to create constant-intensity waves in disordered media by adding specific gain and loss, eliminating backscattering and enabling perfect transmission, with potential experimental realization.

Contribution

The study demonstrates how to suppress intensity variations and backscattering in disordered media using non-Hermitian gain and loss, a novel approach in wave control.

Findings

Constant-intensity waves can be achieved in disordered media.

Backscattering and intensity fluctuations can be eliminated.

Potential for experimental implementation with spatially modulated gain/loss.

Abstract

A fundamental manifestation of wave scattering in a disordered medium is the highly complex intensity pattern the waves acquire due to multi-path interference. Here we show that these intensity variations can be entirely suppressed by adding disorder-specific gain and loss components to the medium. The resulting constant-intensity (CI) waves in such non-Hermitian scattering landscapes are free of any backscattering and feature perfect transmission through the disorder. An experimental demonstration of these unique wave states is envisioned based on spatially modulated pump beams that can flexibly control the gain and loss components in an active medium.