Spatial wave intensity correlations in quasi-one-dimensional wires

TL;DR

This paper analyzes spatial wave intensity correlations in quasi-one-dimensional wires using random matrix theory, revealing a transition from positive to negative correlations as system length decreases, applicable across transport regimes.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model for spatial correlations in wave transport that remains valid from diffusive to localized regimes, including a prediction of correlation sign change.

Findings

Correlation function expressed as sum of three terms with distinct spatial dependences

Agreement with diffusive regime calculations across all transport regimes

Prediction of negative correlations in shorter systems

Abstract

Spatial intensity correlations between waves transmitted through random media are analyzed within the framework of the random matrix theory of transport. Assuming that the statistical distribution of transfer matrices is isotropic, we found that the spatial correlation function can be expressed as the sum of three terms, with distinctive spatial dependences. This result coincides with the one obtained in the diffusive regime from perturbative calculations, but holds all the way from quasi-ballistic transport to localization. While correlations are positive in the diffusive regime, we predict a transition to negative correlations as the length of the system decreases.