Acousto-optic effect in random media

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework for understanding how acoustic waves influence light propagation in random media, enabling improved detection of small inhomogeneities through acousto-optic measurements.

Contribution

It derives radiative transport equations for multiply-scattered light in media with acoustic modulation, advancing the modeling of acousto-optic effects in complex environments.

Findings

Derived radiative transport equations for modulated media

Analyzed sensitivity of acousto-optic measurements to small inhomogeneities

Provided a theoretical basis for improved imaging techniques

Abstract

We consider the acousto-optic effect in a random medium. We derive the radiative transport equations that describe the propagation of multiply-scattered light in a medium whose dielectric permittivity is modulated by an acoustic wave. Using this result, we present an analysis of the sensitivity of an acousto-optic measurement to the presence of a small absorbing inhomogeneity.