Multiple scattering temporal correlation function in a half space with finite-size heterogeneities

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Applied Physics
• Complex Media

Background:

• Understanding light scattering is crucial in various fields like medical imaging and atmospheric science.
• Accurate modeling of temporal correlations in multiply scattered light is challenging.
• Existing diffusion approximations may fail at larger time scales or higher scattering anisotropies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive an exact solution for temporal correlations of multiply scattered light from a half-space medium.
• To investigate the role of single-scattering anisotropy on correlation decay.
• To compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Main Methods:

• Application of the Wiener-Hopf method for solving the boundary problem.
• Utilizing the P1 and P2 approximations to analyze scattering effects.
• Incorporating single-scattering anisotropy into the theoretical framework.

Main Results:

• An exact solution for temporal correlations was obtained, considering single-scattering anisotropy.
• The P1 approximation yielded a universal initial decay rate.
• For longer times, increased anisotropy led to higher decay rates, contradicting diffusion approximation predictions.
• The P2 approximation provided a universal solution over an extended temporal range, showing good agreement with experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The Wiener-Hopf method offers an accurate approach to model temporal light scattering correlations.
• Single-scattering anisotropy significantly influences correlation decay, especially at longer time scales.
• The P2 approximation provides a more robust model than diffusion theory for complex scattering scenarios.