Abstract

Ignoring large-scale anisotropy and intermittency produces difficulties when experimental and theoretical results are compared. A new theory that incorporates anisotropy and intermittency into the propagation of light in a forward scattering media, such as the ocean, is presented. First, we extend the narrow angle approximation¹ of the radiative transfer equation to account for scattering by a cluster of anisotropic particles. Second, effects of large scale deterministic and random currents are included in the theory. Third, a uniform approximate solution by the multiple-scale embedding technique² provides a new analytic approximation for the problem. Fourth, intermittent effects by turbulence and internal waves are discussed in the framework of wave propagation through intermittent media.³ The importance of using correct scales relevant to the particular experiment’s parameters is discussed. Future developments of this problem will also be suggested.

© 1993 Optical Society of America