Temperature and size of single transparent droplets by light scattering in the forward and rainbow regions

A light-scattering anaysis based on Lorenz-Mie theory shows that the size and refractive index of transparent droplets can be determined by measuring the polarized components of the scattered light at two angles in the forward direction. The horizontally polarized cross section C(HH)(33°) depends exclusively on the droplet diameter, whereas the ratio C(HH)(33°)/C(HH)(60°) is a sensitive function of the refractive index and hence of the temperature. On this basis, a new optical system for measuring the temperature, size, and velocity of transparent droplets has been developed. This system can make possible the determination of droplet temperature within a few degrees centigrade. In addition, a critical review of the rainbow method to determine droplet temperature is also presented. These techniques have been applied to vaporizing tetradecane droplets (D(0) = 72 µm), which are heated up in a tube furnace with a temperature range of 20°-200 °C.