Full-field measurements of particle size distributions: polarization ratio method

Detailed theoretical and experimental studies of the polarization ratio technique have been completed to ascertain its sensitivity and accuracy with regard to sizing of discrete particle distributions. A novel broadband technique was developed for sizing individual particles (particles with diameters exceeding 10 µm) as well as local averages in two-phase flows of moderate number densities (10(3)-10(4)/cm(3)). The technique uses an imaging configuration such that all particles in a plane can be simultaneously sized. This paper reviews the theory and presents several calculations that demonstrate the sensitivity and accuracy of the technique as a function of particle size, refractive index, local number density, and local size distribution. Part II will compare experimental results of the broadband polarization ratio technique with those of a technique based on scattered intensities.