ABSTRACT

A long range propagation of electromagnetic waves in random waveguides with rectangular cross-section and perfectly conducting boundaries is presented. The waveguide is filled with an isotropic linear dielectric material, with randomly fluctuating electric permittivity. The fluctuations are weak, but they cause significant cumulative scattering over long distances of propagation of the waves. We analyze Maxwell’s equations in this configuration with the diffusion approximation theory. The result is a detailed characterization of the transport of energy in the waveguide, the loss of coherence of the modes and the depolarization of the waves due to cumulative scattering. [Light refreshments will be served outside the venue at 4:00-4:30 pm. Please come and join us.]