Weak scattering in random media, with applications to remote probing

Abstract

A simple phase-screen technique has been used to derive statistical characterizations of the perturbations imposed upon a wave (plane, spherical, or beamed) propagating through a random medium. The method is essentially physical rather than mathematical; its application is limited only by the weak-scattering approximation, a limitation which is important only for long optical or acoustical paths. No other wavelength restriction is imposed. Situations treated include arbitrary path geometries, finite transmitting and receiving apertures, anisotropic or lossy media, and polarization effects. Results include, in addition to the usual statistical quantities, time-lagged functions, mixed functions involving phase and amplitude fluctuations, angle-of-arrival covariances, frequency covariance, and other higher order quantities.