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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Aerosol particles: remarks on the optical properties.
Applied Optics
|February 23, 2010
Summary
Atmospheric aerosol particles behave like spheres. Their light scattering diameter matches their geometrical size, with a refractive index of 1.54, for particles 0.3-2 micrometers at low humidity.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Aerosol Physics
Background:
- Understanding aerosol particle properties is crucial for climate and air quality.
- Characterizing the relationship between optical and physical particle dimensions is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare light scattering diameter with geometrical size for atmospheric aerosols.
- To determine the equivalent sphere model and refractive index for these particles.
Main Methods:
- Forward scattering measurements of airborne particles.
- Determination of geometrical size (projected area diameter) at the Earth's surface.
- Analysis of sodium chloride (NaCl) nuclei.
Main Results:
- Aerosol particles (0.3-2 micrometers) can be approximated as spheres.
- An equivalent projected diameter correlates well with light scattering diameter.
- A refractive index of 1.54 +/- 2% was determined for these particles.
- Results are valid for relative humidities below 60%.
Conclusions:
- The spherical particle model with an equivalent projected diameter is suitable for describing these aerosols.
- The determined refractive index provides valuable data for aerosol optical models.
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