Modeling scattering matrix containing evanescent modes for wavefront shaping applications in disordered media

Abstract

We developed an open-source scalar wave transport model to estimate the generalized scattering matrix (S matrix) of a disordered medium in the diffusion regime. The term generalized refers to the incorporation of evanescent wave field modes alongside propagating modes in the estimation of the S matrix. To achieve this, we employed the scalar Kirchhoff-Helmholtz boundary integral formulation together with the Green's function perturbation method, thereby extending the conventional Fisher-Lee relations to include evanescent modes. The estimated S matrix, which satisfies the generalized unitarity and reciprocity relations, is modeled for a 2D disordered waveguide. The generalized transmission matrix contained within the S matrix is utilized to estimate the optimal phase-conjugate wavefront for focusing onto an evanescent mode. The phenomenon of a universal transmission value of 2/3 for such an optimal phase conjugate wavefront is demonstrated in the context of evanescent wave mode focusing through a diffusive disorder. The presented code framework may be of interest to wavefront shaping researchers for visualizing and estimating wave transport properties in general.

Manuscript accepted in Physical Review Research