Abstract

The enhancement factor of the backscattering cone in disordered media, can be assigned to the reciprocity principle. In the context of weak localization of light, the destruction of the backscattering cone can be accomplished by applying a magnetic field in an magnetic-optically active random medium. The time-reversal symmetry breaking and the reciprocity principle breaking is discussed and exemplified using Rayleigh multiple scattering.

© 1994 Optical Society of America