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Interference phenomena at backscattering by ice crystals of cirrus clouds
Optics Express
|September 26, 2015
Summary
Light backscattering by ice crystals in cirrus clouds is explained by diffraction and interference. Distorted crystal shapes significantly alter backscattering, impacting lidar signal interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric optics
- Cloud physics
- Light scattering
Background:
- Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals.
- Understanding light backscattering is crucial for remote sensing.
- Physical-optics approximation is a common model for light scattering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of light backscattering by hexagonal ice crystals.
- To model the effect of shape distortion on backscattering.
- To analyze the impact of these phenomena on lidar signal interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the physical-optics approximation.
- Developing a simple model for hexagonal ice crystal shape distortion.
- Analyzing diffraction and interference phenomena in backscattering.
Main Results:
- Diffraction governs the backscattering peak's width.
- Interference creates rings within the backscattering peak.
- Shape distortion causes scattering matrix oscillations and increases depolarization, color, and lidar ratios.
Conclusions:
- Light backscattering by ice crystals is a complex interplay of diffraction and interference.
- Crystal shape distortion significantly affects optical properties.
- Accurate interpretation of lidar signals requires considering these effects.
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