Mcw. Van Rossum et Tm. Nieuwenhuizen, Multiple scattering of classical waves: microscopy, mesoscopy, and diffusion, REV M PHYS, 71(1), 1999, pp. 313-371
A tutorial discussion of the propagation of waves in random media is presen
ted. To a first approximation the transport of the multiple scattered waves
is given by diffusion theory, but important corrections are presented. The
se corrections are calculated with the radiative transfer or Schwarzschild-
Milne equation, which describes intensity transport at the "mesoscopic" lev
el and is derived from the "microscopic" wave equation. A precise treatment
of the diffuse intensity is derived which automatically includes the effec
ts of boundary layers. Effects such as the enhanced backscatter cone and im
aging of objects in opaque media are also discussed within this framework.
This approach is extended to mesoscopic correlations between multiple scatt
ered intensities that arise when scattering is strong. These correlations a
rise from the underlying wave character. The derivation of correlation func
tions and intensity distribution functions is given and experimental data a
re discussed. Although the focus is on light scattering, the theory is also
applicable to microwaves, sound waves, and noninteracting electrons. [S003
4-6861(99)00601-7].