Reflections, rays, and reverberations

Abstract

abstract The connection is established between conventional matrix methods for layered media and the reflection and transmission properties of a single layer. This interrelation is then used to set up an iterative approach to the calculation of reflection and transmission coefficients in multilayered media. This approach lends itself to a ray interpretation and allows estimates of errors involved in taking truncated partial ray expansions to be made. The special effects due to a free surface are also considered.