Reciprocity, unitarity, and time-reversal symmetry of the S matrix of fields containing evanescent components - art. no. 012712

We derive general relationships of the S matrix of fields containing evanes cent components. Our formalism covers time-independent quantum scattering a s well as scattering of classical scalar waves. We show that reciprocity, e nergy (or probability) conservation, and time-reversal symmetry in the pres ence of evanescent waves lead to relationships that extend the well-known r elations previously derived in asymptotic scattering. On this basis, we dis cuss the link between reciprocity and time-reversal symmetry. We also addre ss the experimental feasibility of time reversal of a field containing evan escent components.