Light scattering from a randomly occupied optical lattice. II. The multiple scattering problem
Wei Guo, Sudhakar Prasad
In this paper, we study the problem of multiple scattering of light from a randomly occupied optical lattice, thereby extending the first-order Born analysis of the previous paper. A full multiple-scattering analysis is essential to a complete understanding of the nature of light propagation inside a medium. Our calculations show that the incident wave, when resonant with the atomic medium, is rapidly extinguished due to multiple scattering. The decay constant depends critically on the incident wavelength, the lattice constant, the average number density of atoms, and their polarizability. Both the Bragg scattering amplitudes and directions are modified as a result of multiple scattering. Because of the random site occupation of an otherwise regular lattice structure, a coherent enhancement of the scattering cross section is also predicted to occur along a discrete set of directions that are related to the strictly backward direction by reciprocal lattice vectors.
Physical review. E, Statistical physics, plasmas, fluids, and related interdisciplinary topics•May 19, 2003•6 citations