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Fluctuations of scattered waves: going beyond the ensemble average
J Broky1, K M Douglass, J Ellis
1College of Optics and Photonics, CREOL, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA.
Optics Express
|June 25, 2009
Summary
This study quantifies randomness in wave-media interactions, revealing structural details missed by traditional averaging. Information entropy measures disorder, enabling differentiation between media with similar average properties.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Wave Phenomena
- Random Media
Background:
- Wave-media interactions are complex deterministic processes.
- Ensemble averaging is the conventional analysis method.
- Individual wave interactions depend on specific medium disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify randomness in wave-media interactions.
- To extract structural information beyond ensemble averages.
- To differentiate media with identical mean characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing information entropy as a measure of randomness.
- Analyzing the rate of change of information entropy.
- Experimentally controlling the interaction volume.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated quantification of randomness in wave-media interactions.
- Obtained structural information not apparent in ensemble averages.
- Successfully discriminated between media with identical mean characteristics using entropy rate.
Conclusions:
- Information entropy is a viable measure for quantifying randomness.
- The rate of change of information entropy can distinguish between media with similar average properties.
- This approach offers new insights into wave propagation in disordered media.
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