Abstract :
A theoretical analysis of wave propagation in guiding structures with statistically varying parameters is given. The problem is treated as random cross-coupling among all the propagating modes of the structure, where the random functions describing the coupling coefficients are related to the inhomogeneities in the media or boundaries. It is shown that, in general, the solution is represented by a statistical quasimode which, in the mean, resembles the mode of the lowest attenuation, but that all the other coupled modes partake in a definite way in determining the nature of the mode. General formulas are derived which relate the properties of the solution to the statistical parameters. The use of the formulas is illustrated by application of the solution to a number of propagation problems.
