Multiple scattering of waves in random media: a transfer matrix approach

Abstract

Transfer matrices address multiple scattering of waves in dense media, by relating properties of a thick slice of medium to the corresponding properties of a slice thin enough for multiple scattering to be absent, hence scattering properties can easily be calculated. We present a new method for deriving a whole hierarchy of transfer matrices which can be applied to studying statistics of waves in random media under conditions of extreme multiple scattering. The new method, based on matrix power series expansions, confirms early results, and carries them forward into new areas, allowing us to study density of states, fluctuations, and transport phenomena.