Comparison of the Maxwell and Boltzmann theory for multilayered dielectric random media.

Abstract

Based on the transfer matrix theory for electromagnetic fields, we develop a corresponding theory for intensity transport in a one-dimensional random medium. We show the conditions for which the Maxwell equations, the intensity transport theory, and the Boltzmann equation can lead to similar predictions. We generalize the transfer matrix theory to study intensity modulated waves and compare its predictions with those obtained from the Maxwell and Boltzmann equations.