This book explores recent developments in QIA and describes the application of the theory to different branches of wave physics, from plasma physics, quantum physics, and ionospheric radio wave propagation to acoustics, optics, and astrophysics. This is an up-to-the-minute exposition of the latest developments in an important new area, written by authors of outstanding reputation. A rich source of both theoretical methods and practical applications, it covers a wide range of problems of general physical significance. Until recently, there was no effective method for describing waves in weakly anisotropic inhomogeneous media. The method of quasi-isotropic approximation (QIA) of geometrical optics was developed to overcome this problem. The QIA approach bridges the gap between geometrical optics of isotropic media (Rytov method) and that of anisotropic media (Courant-Lax approach), thus providing a complete picture of the geometrical optics of inhomogeneous media.

Until recently, there was no effective method for describing waves in weakly anisotropic inhomogeneous media. The method of quasi-isotropic approximation (QIA) of geometrical optics was developed to overcome this problem. The QIA approach bridges the gap between geometrical optics of isotropic media (Rytov method) and that of anisotropic media (Courant-Lax approach). thus providing a complete picture of the geometrical optics of inhomogeneous media. The book explores recent developments in QIA and describes the application of the theory to different branches of wave physics, from plasma physics. quantum physics and ionospheric radio wave propagation to acoustics, optics and astrophysics. The authors present some modifications and generalisations of QIA equations, and look at electromagnetic waves and optical and acoustic effects in weakly anisotropic media, as well as geometrical optics of 3D inhomogeneous media. The book closes with some quantum mechanical analogies. This is an up-to-the minute exposition of the latest developments in an important new area, written by authors of outstanding international reputation. A rich source of both theoretical methods and practical applications, this book covers a wide range of problems of general physical significance and will be of interest to those working in optics, acoustics, electrical engineering, radio engineering and wave propagation through plasma.

This monograph provides concise and clear coverage of modern ray theory without the need of complicated mathematics. Comprehensive coverage is given to wave problems in engineering physics, considering rays and caustics as physical objects.

This book presents a survey of modern theoretical and experimental techniques in studies of light scattering phenomena and radiative transfer processes in random media. It presents reviews on light scattering by sea water and bubbles, and includes a separate chapter addressing studies of the remote sensing of crystalline clouds with a focus on the shape of particles—a parameter rarely studied by passive remote sensing techniques. In particular, it offers a comprehensive analysis of polarized radiative transfer in optically active (e.g., chiral) light scattering media and explores advances in spectro-polarimetry of particulate media. Lastly it discusses new developments in light scattering for combustion monitoring.

Caustics, Catastrophes and Wave Fields in a sense continues the treatment of the earlier volume 6 "Geometrical Optics of Inhomogeneous Media" by analysing caustics and their fields on the basis of modern catastrophe theory. The present volume covers local and uniform caustic asymptotic expansions: The Lewis-Kravtsov method of standard functions, Maslov's method of canonical operators , Orlov's method of interference integrals, as well as their modifications for penumbra, space-time, random and other types of caustics. All the methods are amply illustrated by worked problems concerning relevant wave-field applications.

Progress in Optics