Coherent backscattering (CBS) of light waves by a random medium is a
signature of interference effects in multiple scattering. This effect has been
studied in many systems ranging from white paint to biological tissues.
Recently, we have observed CBS from a sample of laser-cooled atoms, a
scattering medium with interesting new properties. In this paper we discuss
various effects, which have to be taken into account for a quantitative study
of coherent backscattering of light by cold atoms.Comment: 25 pages LaTex2e, 17 figures, submitted to J. Opt. B: Quant. Semicl.
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