The theory of radiative transfer is applied to the problem of multiple wave scattering in a one-dimensional multilayer. A new mathematical model of a multilayer is presented in which both the refractive index and width of each layer are randomized. The layer widths are generated by a new probability distribution which allows for strong layer width disorder. An expression for the transport mean free path of the multilayer is derived based on its single-scattering properties. It will be shown that interference between the field reflected from adjacent layer interfaces remains significant even in the presence of strong layer width disorder. It will be proven that even when the scattering is weak, the field in a random multilayer localizes at certain frequencies. The effect of increasing layer width randomization on this form of localization is quantified. The radiative transfer model of time-harmonic scattering in multilayers is extended to narrow-band pulse propagation in weakly scattering media. The tendency of pulses to broaden in this medium is discussed. A radiative transport model of the system is developed and compared to numerical solutions of the wave equation. It is observed that pulse broadening is not described by simple transfer theory. The radiative transfer model is extended by the addition of a Laplacian term in an attempt to model the effect of ensemble average pulse broadening. Numerical simulation results in support of this proposal are given, and applications for the theory suggested. Finally, the problem of acoustic wave scattering by planar screens is considered. The study was motivated by the idea that multiple scattering experiments may prove possible in a medium composed of such scatterers. Successful multiple scattering in a medium of planar scatterers will depend on the scattering cross-section at angles away from normal incidence. The scattering cross-section is calculated for a circular disc using a new technique for solving the acoustic wave equation on planar surfaces. The method is validated by comparison with available analytic solutions and the geometric theory of diffraction.

The theory of radiative transfer is applied to the problem of multiple wave scattering in a one-dimensional multilayer. A new mathematical model of a multilayer is presented in which both the refractive index and width of each layer are randomized. The layer widths are generated by a new probability distribution which allows for strong layer width disorder. An expression for the transport mean free path of the multilayer is derived based on its single-scattering properties. It will be shown that interference between the field reflected from adjacent layer interfaces remains significant even in the presence of strong layer width disorder. It will be proven that even when the scattering is weak, the field in a random multilayer localizes at certain frequencies. The effect of increasing layer width randomization on this form of localization is quantified. The radiative transfer model of time-harmonic scattering in multilayers is extended to narrow-band pulse propagation in weakly scattering media. The tendency of pulses to broaden in this medium is discussed. A radiative transport model of the system is developed and compared to numerical solutions of the wave equation. It is observed that pulse broadening is not described by simple transfer theory. The radiative transfer model is extended by the addition of a Laplacian term in an attempt to model the effect of ensemble average pulse broadening. Numerical simulation results in support of this proposal are given, and applications for the theory suggested. Finally, the problem of acoustic wave scattering by planar screens is considered. The study was motivated by the idea that multiple scattering experiments may prove possible in a medium composed of such scatterers. Successful multiple scattering in a medium of planar scatterers will depend on the scattering cross-section at angles away from normal incidence. The scattering cross-section is calculated for a circular disc using a new technique for solving the acoustic wave equation on planar surfaces. The method is validated by comparison with available analytic solutions and the geometric theory of diffraction.

The theory of radiative transfer is applied to the problem of multiple wave scattering in a one-dimensional multilayer. A new mathematical model of a multilayer is presented in which both the refractive index and width of each layer are randomized. The layer widths are generated by a new probability distribution which allows for strong layer width disorder. An expression for the transport mean free path of the multilayer is derived based on its single-scattering properties. It will be shown that interference between the field reflected from adjacent layer interfaces remains significant even in the presence of strong layer width disorder. It will be proven that even when the scattering is weak, the field in a random multilayer localizes at certain frequencies. The effect of increasing layer width randomization on this form of localization is quantified. The radiative transfer model of time-harmonic scattering in multilayers is extended to narrow-band pulse propagation in weakly scattering media. The tendency of pulses to broaden in this medium is discussed. A radiative transport model of the system is developed and compared to numerical solutions of the wave equation. It is observed that pulse broadening is not described by simple transfer theory. The radiative transfer model is extended by the addition of a Laplacian term in an attempt to model the effect of ensemble average pulse broadening. Numerical simulation results in support of this proposal are given, and applications for the theory suggested. Finally, the problem of acoustic wave scattering by planar screens is considered. The study was motivated by the idea that multiple scattering experiments may prove possible in a medium composed of such scatterers. Successful multiple scattering in a medium of planar scatterers will depend on the scattering cross-section at angles away from normal incidence. The scattering cross-section is calculated for a circular disc using a new technique for solving the acoustic wave equation on planar surfaces. The method is validated by comparison with available analytic solutions and the geometric theory of diffraction.

Dans cette thèse, nous commençons par étudier un modèle hamiltonien à champ moyen, dont les propriétés statistiques d'équilibre sont exactement solubles, et permettent en outre de prédire le comportement asymptotique des réalisations temporelles du système. Nous nous intéressons aux propriétés de relaxation vers des états dits d'équilibre à partir de conditions initiales particulières, et étudions en détail l'impact du nombre de particules sur les échelles temporelles en jeu. La motivation principale réside dans le fait que le modèle considéré, bien que très simple, présente une phénoménologie rappelant celle de systèmes bien plus complexes, fournissant ainsi à moindre coût un formidable terrain d'expérimentations numériques et théoriques. Nous avons obtenu une série de résultats sur les temps de relaxation du modèle en fonction du nombre de particules, confirmant d'une part les observations numériques existantes, et proposant d'autre part une nouvelle méthode d'étude d'états hors d'équilibre, basée sur l'exploration de l'espace des phases par le système. Nous nous intéressons ensuite au problème de la diffusion de particules lourdes en tokamak, dans l'optique de comprendre comment des impuretés, en situation réelle, pourraient voyager des bords de l'enceinte de confinement vers l'axe magnétique de l'appareil pour y absorber l'énergie du plasma, rendant alors vaine toute tentative de fusion. Nous mettons à l'épreuve la théorie de diffusion stochastique dans le régime de dents de scie, en nous basant sur des simulations numériques de particules test, et montrons que la stochasticité des lignes de champ magnétique, de par la topologie du champ électrique résultant, est une condition nécessaire permettant la reproduction résultats expérimentaux.

In this thesis, superconducting nanostructures for quantum detection of electromagnetic radiation are studied. In this regard, electrodynamics of topological excitations in 1D superconducting nanowires and 2D superconducting nanostrips is investigated. Topological excitations in superconducting nanowires and nanostrips lead to crucial deviation from the bulk properties. In 1D superconductors, topological excitations are phase slippages of the order parameter in which the magnitude of the order parameter locally drops to zero and the phase jumps by integer multiple of 2\pi. We investigate the effect of high-frequency field on 1D superconducting nanowires and derive the complex conductivity. Our study reveals that the rate of the quantum phase slips (QPSs) is exponentially enhanced under high-frequency irradiation. Based on this finding, we propose an energy-resolving terahertz radiation detector using superconducting nanowires. In superconducting nanostrips, topological fluctuations are the magnetic vortices. The motion of magnetic vortices result in dissipative processes that limit the efficiency of devices using superconducting nanostrips. It will be shown that in a multi-layer structure, the potential barrier for vortices to penetrate inside the structure is elevated. This results in significant reduction in dissipative process. In superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs), vortex motion results in dark counts and reduction of the critical current which results in low efficiency in these detectors. Based on this finding, we show that a multi-layer SNSPD is capable of approaching characteristics of an ideal single photon detector in terms of the dark count and quantum efficiency. It is shown that in a multi-layer SNSPD the photon coupling efficiency is dramatically enhanced due to the increase in the optical path of the incident photon.