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Joint control of coherent transmission, reflection, and absorption
Phys. Rev. B 112, 245421 – Published 18 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/nw8t-326d
Abstract
Controlling multiple wave properties simultaneously poses a key challenge in coherent control of wave transport. We present a theory for joint coherent control of transmission, reflection, and absorption in linear systems. We prove that the numerical range provides the mathematical structure governing achievable responses, and reveal non-Abelian effects due to noncommutativity between transmission, reflection, and absorption matrices. We provide an algorithm to achieve arbitrary target responses. Our results establish a theoretical foundation for joint coherent control of waves.