A model for the joint probability density function is proposed for the quadrature components of waves propagating in random media (WPRM). The model is based on a further generalization of the model for the intensity distribution for WPRM proposed by Ewart [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 86, 1490–1498 (1989)]. Both this distribution model and the intensity distribution model apply to the full range of scattering strengths and ranges. That is, from short ranges where the intensity probability density function (pdf) is lognormal, through the region of the medium focus, where the intensity moments 〈Iq〉 can be well above q!, to the saturation regime, where the moments approach exponential. Simulation of the complex fields used to test the model was accomplished by parabolic wave equation marching of the field through a medium with a fourth‐order power law transverse spectrum (usually termed the modified exponential). The fourth moment of the fields are accurately predicted using parabolic fourth moment theory—giving some confidence in the higher moments. The resulting joint pdf’s are parametrized in terms of the scattering strength γ and the scaled range X that parametrize the simulations. This work provides a necessary first step in the important quest to include highly non‐Gaussian quadrature component statistics in signal processing formulations.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
July 1996
July 01 1996
A probability distribution for the complex field of waves propagating in random media
James A. Ritcey;
James A. Ritcey
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Search for other works by this author on:
Scot D. Gordon;
Scot D. Gordon
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Search for other works by this author on:
Terry E. Ewart
Terry E. Ewart
Applied Physics Laboratory, College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Search for other works by this author on:
J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 100, 237–244 (1996)
Article history
Received:
May 02 1994
Accepted:
August 09 1995
Citation
James A. Ritcey, Scot D. Gordon, Terry E. Ewart; A probability distribution for the complex field of waves propagating in random media. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 1 July 1996; 100 (1): 237–244. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.415877
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign In
You could not be signed in. Please check your credentials and make sure you have an active account and try again.
Sign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionPay-Per-View Access
$40.00
Citing articles via
Related Content
The PDF of intensity for Ocean WPRM—15 years later
J Acoust Soc Am (May 2001)
Modeling the general pdf of intensity in terms of the scattering parameters for WPRM
J Acoust Soc Am (August 2005)
Some validity issues in the theory and modeling of WPRM
J Acoust Soc Am (May 2002)
Sixty years studying wave propagation in random media at the Applied Physics Laboratory
J Acoust Soc Am (September 2015)
A depth, range, and time probability distribution of intensity for wave propagation in random media
J Acoust Soc Am (August 2005)