Sensitivity of ray paths to initial conditions

Abstract

Using a parabolic equation, we consider ray propagation in a waveguide with the sound speed profile that corresponds to the dynamics of a nonlinear oscillator. An analytical consideration of the dependence of the travel time on the initial conditions is presented. Using an exactly solvable model and the path integral representation of the travel time, we explain the step-like behavior of the travel time T as a function of the starting momentum p0 (related to the starting ray grazing angle v0 by p0 ¼ tan v0). A periodic perturbation of the waveguide along the range leads to wave and ray chaos. We explain an inhomogeneity of distribution of the chaotic ray travel times, which has obvious maxima. These maxima lead to the clustering of rays and each maximum relates to a ray identifier, i.e. to the number of ray semi-cycles along the ray path. 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.