Wave propagation dynamics inside a complex scattering medium by the temporal control of backscattered waves

Abstract

Shaping the wavefront of an incident wave to a complex scattering medium has demonstrated interesting possibilities, such as sub-diffraction wave focusing and enhancing light energy delivery. However, wavefront shaping has mainly been based on the control of transmitted waves that are inaccessible in most realistic applications. Here, we investigate the effect of maximizing the backscattered waves at a specific flight time on wave propagation dynamics and energy transport. We find both experimentally and numerically that the maximization at a short flight time focuses waves on the particles constituting the scattering medium, leading to the attenuation of the wave transport. On the contrary, maximization at a long flight time induces constructive wave interference inside the medium and thus enhances wave transport. We provide a theoretical model explaining this interesting transition behavior based on wave correlation. Our study provides a fundamental understanding of the effect of wave control on internal wave dynamics.