Waves in complex media 2026
Scope
Grasping wave propagation in homogeneous media underpins the principles of classical imaging, sensing, and telecommunication techniques. The presence of disorder introduces new challenges to these fields, and studying wave propagation in disordered media has led to major breakthroughs across acoustics, optics, seismology, and microwave science. These advances are all rooted in the fundamental concept of wave propagation in complex media. This subject deserves dedicated investigation, which we aim to promote during this summer school, while also fostering connections between the various wave physics communities.
Our goal is to encourage the exchange of multidisciplinary knowledge gathered by experts from diverse research backgrounds, who often face similar challenges. We will cover theoretical aspects of wave propagation in complex environments—such as correlated disorder, topology, multiple scattering, nonlinear media, Anderson localization, and metamaterials—and emphasize their practical applications such as in imaging, sensing, and microwave, optical, and quantum telecommunications.
The school will feature lectures by leading scientists and seminars presenting recent advances and applications. This format is particularly well-suited for students, providing them with a solid theoretical foundation in wave physics within complex environments, alongside an overview of the various experimental approaches specific to each type of wave. This multidisciplinary perspective will enable both junior and senior researchers to go beyond the boundaries of their own fields and gain the broader vision essential for cutting-edge research. Particular attention will be paid to engaging the younger audience.
A poster session will be organized to share recent results of the attendees and a few poster submissions will have the opportunity to be upgraded to oral presentations.
Our sponsors
Image credits
R.M. Córdova-Castro et al., Light Sci. Appl. (2024) – R. Anandwade et al., Phys. Rev. A (2023) – P. Menz et al., Nanophotonics (2023) – N. Engheta, IEEE INC-USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (2024) – A. Makowski et al., Optica (2024) – W. Akemann et al., Nat. Methods (2022)
