Transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory

We develop a field-theoretic formalism, called radiant field theory, to calculate the distribution of transmission eigenvalues for coherent wave propagation in disordered media. At its core is a self-consistent transport equation for a 2×2 matrix radiance, reminiscent of the radiative transfer equat...

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Main Authors: David Gaspard, Arthur Goetschy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Physical Society 2025-07-01
Series:Physical Review Research
Online Access:http://doi.org/10.1103/djhy-16mh
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author David Gaspard
Arthur Goetschy
author_facet David Gaspard
Arthur Goetschy
author_sort David Gaspard
collection DOAJ
description We develop a field-theoretic formalism, called radiant field theory, to calculate the distribution of transmission eigenvalues for coherent wave propagation in disordered media. At its core is a self-consistent transport equation for a 2×2 matrix radiance, reminiscent of the radiative transfer equation but capable of capturing coherent interference effects. This framework goes beyond the limitations of the Dorokhov-Mello-Pereyra-Kumar theory by accounting for both quasiballistic and diffusive regimes. It also handles open geometries inaccessible to standard wave-equation solvers such as infinite slabs. Analytical and numerical solutions are provided for these geometries, highlighting in particular the impact of the waveguide shape and the grazing modes on the transmission eigenvalue distribution in the quasiballistic regime. By removing the macroscopic assumptions of random matrix models, this microscopic theory enables the calculation of transmission statistics in regimes previously out of reach. It also provides a foundation for exploring more complex observables and physical effects relevant to wavefront shaping in realistic disordered systems.
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spelling doaj-art-938c8df6dde841ab9bbc22dc507e4e1a2025-08-20T03:12:15ZengAmerican Physical SocietyPhysical Review Research2643-15642025-07-017303307110.1103/djhy-16mhTransmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theoryDavid GaspardArthur GoetschyWe develop a field-theoretic formalism, called radiant field theory, to calculate the distribution of transmission eigenvalues for coherent wave propagation in disordered media. At its core is a self-consistent transport equation for a 2×2 matrix radiance, reminiscent of the radiative transfer equation but capable of capturing coherent interference effects. This framework goes beyond the limitations of the Dorokhov-Mello-Pereyra-Kumar theory by accounting for both quasiballistic and diffusive regimes. It also handles open geometries inaccessible to standard wave-equation solvers such as infinite slabs. Analytical and numerical solutions are provided for these geometries, highlighting in particular the impact of the waveguide shape and the grazing modes on the transmission eigenvalue distribution in the quasiballistic regime. By removing the macroscopic assumptions of random matrix models, this microscopic theory enables the calculation of transmission statistics in regimes previously out of reach. It also provides a foundation for exploring more complex observables and physical effects relevant to wavefront shaping in realistic disordered systems.http://doi.org/10.1103/djhy-16mh
spellingShingle David Gaspard
Arthur Goetschy
Transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory
Physical Review Research
title Transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory
title_full Transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory
title_fullStr Transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory
title_full_unstemmed Transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory
title_short Transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory
title_sort transmission eigenvalue distribution in disordered media from radiant field theory
url http://doi.org/10.1103/djhy-16mh
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AT arthurgoetschy transmissioneigenvaluedistributionindisorderedmediafromradiantfieldtheory