Probability Distribution for Coherent Transport of Random Waves

Abstract

We establish a comprehensive probability theory for coherent transport of random waves through arbitrary linear media. The transmissivity distribution for random coherent waves is a fundamental B-spline with knots at the transmission eigenvalues. We analyze the distribution's shape, bounds, moments, and asymptotic behaviors. In the large n limit, the distribution converges to a Gaussian whose mean and variance depend solely on those of the eigenvalues. This result resolves the apparent paradox between bimodal eigenvalue distribution and unimodal transmissivity distribution.