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Published on: August 1, 2017
Particle optics in the Rayleigh regime.
Hans Moosmüller1, W Patrick Arnott
1Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Nevada System of Higher Education, Reno, NV 89512, USA. Hans.Moosmuller@dri.edu
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|September 30, 2009
Summary
This study derives optical properties of atmospheric particles in the Rayleigh regime from fundamental principles. It explains particle size and wavelength dependencies, complementing electromagnetic theory for climate and visibility research.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science
- Optical physics
- Climate science
Background:
- Atmospheric particles affect solar energy transfer, influencing climate and visibility.
- Particles in the Rayleigh regime have long atmospheric lifetimes due to minimal gravitational settlement.
- Conventional optical property derivations rely on electromagnetic theory and Maxwell's equations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To derive particle scattering and absorption properties in the Rayleigh regime from basic principles.
- To understand the size and wavelength dependence of these optical properties.
- To provide an alternative derivation complementing electromagnetic theory.
Main Methods:
- Derivation from fundamental principles of coherent (Rayleigh scattering) and incoherent (absorption) processes.
- Application of scale invariance for particle optics.
- Analysis of particle size limits for the Rayleigh regime.
Main Results:
- Formulas for size and wavelength dependence of Rayleigh scattering and absorption.
- Identification of the upper particle size limit for the Rayleigh regime.
- Explanation of consequences for single-scattering albedo and mass density measurements.
Conclusions:
- Fundamental principles offer an alternative to electromagnetic theory for Rayleigh regime particle optics.
- Understanding these properties is crucial for accurate climate and atmospheric visibility modeling.
- The derivations provide insights into particle lifetimes and optical measurement techniques.
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