• Featured in Physics
  • Editors' Suggestion

Measuring the Transmission Matrix in Optics: An Approach to the Study and Control of Light Propagation in Disordered Media

S. M. Popoff, G. Lerosey, R. Carminati, M. Fink, A. C. Boccara, and S. Gigan
Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 100601 – Published 8 March 2010
Physics logo See Viewpoint: The information age in optics: Measuring the transmission matrix

Abstract

We introduce a method to experimentally measure the monochromatic transmission matrix of a complex medium in optics. This method is based on a spatial phase modulator together with a full-field interferometric measurement on a camera. We determine the transmission matrix of a thick random scattering sample. We show that this matrix exhibits statistical properties in good agreement with random matrix theory and allows light focusing and imaging through the random medium. This method might give important insight into the mesoscopic properties of a complex medium.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 27 October 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.100601

©2010 American Physical Society

Viewpoint

Key Image

The information age in optics: Measuring the transmission matrix

Published 8 March 2010

The transmission of light through a disordered medium is described in microscopic detail by a high-dimensional matrix. Researchers have now measured this transmission matrix directly, providing a new approach to control light propagation.

See more in Physics

Authors & Affiliations

S. M. Popoff, G. Lerosey, R. Carminati, M. Fink, A. C. Boccara, and S. Gigan

  • Institut Langevin, ESPCI ParisTech, CNRS UMR 7587, ESPCI, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 104, Iss. 10 — 12 March 2010

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×