Coherent backscattering of light from random media with inhomogeneous gain coefficient

We study theoretically the coherent backscattering cone of light from an amplifying random medium using realistic gain profiles which are spatially inhomogeneous. By taking into account correctly the amplification of multiply scattered waves, we are able to obtain quantitative agreements with the measured data presented in Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 1739 (1995) by Wiersma et al. and resolve the discrepancy arising from earlier calculations based on a uniform gain profile.