Radiation force caused by scattering, absorption, and emission of light by nonspherical particles

General formulas for computing the radiation force exerted on arbitrarily oriented and arbitrarily shaped nonspherical particles due to scattering, absorption, and emission of electromagnetic radiation are derived. For randomly oriented particles with a plane of symmetry, the formula for the average radiation force caused by the particle response to external illumination reduces to the standard Debye formula derived from the Lorenz–Mie theory, whereas the average radiation force caused by emission vanishes.     

Using simple particle shapes to model the Stokes scattering matrix of ensembles of wavelength-sized particles with complex shapes: possibilities and limitations

We investigate to what extent the full Stokes scattering matrix of an ensemble of wavelength-sized particles with complex shapes can be modeled by employing an ensemble of simple model shapes, such as spheres, spheroids, and circular cylinders. We also examine to what extent such a simple-shape particle model can be used to retrieve meaningful shape information about the complex-shaped particle ensemble. More specifically, we compute the Stokes scattering matrix for ensembles of randomly oriented particles having several polyhedral prism geometries of different sizes and shape parameters. These ensembles serve as proxies for size-shape mixtures of particles containing several different shapes of higher geometrical complexity than the simple-shaped model particles we employ. We find that the phase function of the complex-shaped particle ensemble can be accurately modeled with a size distribution of volume-equivalent spheres. The diagonal elements of the scattering matrix are accurately reproduced with a size-shape mixture of spheroids. A model based on circular cylinders accurately fits the full scattering matrix including the off-diagonal elements. However, the modeling results provide us with only a rough estimate of the effective shape parameter of the complex-shaped particle ensemble to be modeled. They do not allow us to infer detailed information about the shape distribution of the complex-shaped particle ensemble.     

Electromagnetic wave scattering by many small particles

Scattering of electromagnetic waves by many small particles of arbitrary shapes is reduced rigorously to solving linear algebraic system of equations bypassing the usual usage of integral equations. The matrix elements of this linear algebraic system have physical meaning. They are expressed in terms of the electric and magnetic polarizability tensors. Analytical formulas are given for calculation of these tensors with any desired accuracy for homogeneous bodies of arbitrary shapes. An idea to create a “smart” material by embedding many small particles in a given region is formulated.     

Light-scattering methods for modelling algal particles as a collection of coated and/or nonspherical scatterers

Ocean reflectance or ocean colour measurements are an important tool for oceanographic studies of phytoplankton dynamics. Theoretical models based on homogeneous, spherical particles underestimate algal backscattering and thus reflectance values. It is our understanding that more advanced light-scattering methods must be employed, both for refractive index retrieval (Mie, Aden–Kerker) with inverse models, and for backscattering calculations (Extended Boundary Condition Method, EBCM). The measured optical properties of a monospecific bloom of the marine brown tide pelagophyte Aureococcus anophagefferens are used to compare the effects of assuming various simulated particle geometries. Computational results from polydisperse, coated spherical particles show results that compare better to experimental reflectance values than calculations based on homogeneous spheres. No noticeable change in simulated reflectance values is observed when a randomly oriented coated spheroidal (rather than spherical) geometry is assumed for the particle population. Our results suggest that a layered spherical geometry, based on Aden–Kerker theory, can adequately reproduce experimentally determined light-scattering properties even supposedly shape-sensitive properties such as the backscattering coefficient.     

T-matrix method and its applications to electromagnetic scattering by particles: A current perspective

This note serves as a short introduction to the reprint of our article “T-matrix computations of light scattering by nonspherical particles: a review” (JQSRT 1996; 55:535-75). We first discuss the motivation for writing that article and explain its historical context. This is followed by a short overview of more recent developments.     

Scattering by randomly oriented thin ice disks with moderate equivalent-sphere size parameters

We use the T-matrix method to compute the scattering matrix for randomly oriented circular ice cylinders with diameter-to-length ratios 1 and 20 and surface-equivalent-sphere size parameters up to 12. We show that wavelength-sized, sharp-edged ice plates with extreme diameter-to-length ratios possess the same scattering properties as smooth platelike spheroids: their phase functions are similar to those of surface-equivalent compact particles, whereas all other elements of the scattering matrix are typical of Rayleigh scattering.     

The shape influence on the overall single scattering properties of a sample in random orientation

In order to identify the type of scattering profile that corresponds to some specific shapes, we have performed calculations of some scattering properties for those shapes with a fixed size distribution. Aggregates of different numbers of spheres have been used to fit the laboratory measurements of fly ashes. The results for other shapes, such as rectangular prisms with different axial proportions, particles made of joined cubes, and particles with different fluffiness, are also shown. From all these calculations, it is concluded that the size-averaged scattering matrix elements resembles Rayleigh features, for the size distribution stopping at , when either the number of spheres or cubes of the aggregates is increased, the shape becomes flatter or the particles become fluffier. We also show the effect of the refractive index on the Q_sca vs. X curve in the case of strongly absorbing particles. A tendency to reach the geometric optic regime is observed instead of the Rayleigh regime using the same size distribution.     

Electromagnetic scattering by a morphologically complex object: Fundamental concepts and common misconceptions

Following Keller (Proc Symp Appl Math 1962;13:227-46), we classify all theoretical treatments of electromagnetic scattering by a morphologically complex object into first-principle (or “honest” in Keller's terminology) and phenomenological (or “dishonest”) categories. This helps us identify, analyze, and dispel several profound misconceptions widespread in the discipline of electromagnetic scattering by solitary particles and discrete random media. Our goal is not to call for a complete renunciation of phenomenological approaches but rather to encourage a critical and careful evaluation of their actual origin, virtues, and limitations. In other words, we do not intend to deter creative thinking in terms of phenomenological short-cuts, but we do want to raise awareness when we stray (often for practical reasons) from the fundamentals. The main results and conclusions are illustrated by numerically-exact data based on direct numerical solutions of the macroscopic Maxwell equations.     

Phase function of long helical particles at normal and oblique incidence

This paper studies characteristics of the electro-magnetic wave scattering by a long helical particle in cases of oblique incidence with different polarizations. The dependence of the resonant peaks and the phase function on the incidence angle is analyzed for different values of helix parameters. The analysis is based on the model developed by the authors and presented in previous publications.     

Light scattering by groups of spherical particles

Light scattering by groups of spherical particles is considered. It is shown that the structure of the groups and their orientational distribution can be judged from the spectrum and polarization of the scattered light. Syktyvkar State University, 55, Oktyabr'skii Ave., Syktyvkar, 167001, Russia. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 228–231, March–April, 1997.     

Study of the sensitivity of size-averaged scattering matrix elements of nonspherical particles to changes in shape, porosity and refractive index

Studies of the physical parameters that influence the single scattering properties of a size distribution of small particles in random orientation are fundamental in understanding the origin of the observed dependence of the scattering matrix elements on the scattering angle. We present results of extensive calculations of the single scattering matrices of small nonspherical particles performed by a computational model based on the Discrete-Dipole Approximation. We have particularly studied the sensitivity of the size-averaged scattering properties at visible wavelengths of nonspherical, randomly oriented absorbing particles considering changes in shape, porosity and refractive index. These studies have importance regarding the inversion of physical properties of small particles as measured in the laboratory and the dust properties in various astrophysical and atmospherical environments. We have found that size distributions of randomly oriented irregular particles of different shape, including large aspect ratio particles, show similar scattering matrix elements as a function of the scattering angle, in contrast with the pattern found for regularly shaped particles of varying axis ratios, for which the scattering matrix elements as a function of the scattering angle show much larger differences among them. Regarding porosity, we have found a very different pattern in the scattering matrix elements for an ensemble of compact and porous particles. In particular, the linear polarization for incident unpolarized light produced by compact and absorbing particles of large size parameter tend to mimic the pattern found for large absorbing spheres. For porous particles, however, the linear polarization for incident unpolarized light tends to decrease as the size of the particle grows, with the maximum being displaced towards smaller and smaller scattering angles.     

Far-field approximation in electromagnetic scattering

The volume integral equation formalism is used to derive and analyze specific criteria of applicability of the far-field approximation in electromagnetic scattering by a finite three-dimensional object. In the case of wavelength-sized and larger objects, this analysis leads to a natural subdivision of the entire external space into a near-field zone, a transition zone, and a far-field zone. It is demonstrated that the general criteria of far-field scattering are consistent with the theory and practice of T-matrix computations.     

Multiple scattering by particles embedded in an absorbing medium. 2. Radiative transfer equation

This paper continues a systematic theoretical analysis of electromagnetic scattering by a group of arbitrarily sized, shaped, and oriented particles embedded in an absorbing, homogeneous, isotropic, and unbounded medium. The previously developed microphysical approach is used to derive the generalized form of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) applicable to a large group of sparsely, randomly, and uniformly distributed particles. The derivation of the RTE directly from the macroscopic Maxwell equations yields unambiguous and definitive analytical expressions for the participating quantities and thereby fully resolves the lasting controversy caused by the conflicting outcomes of several phenomenological approaches.     

Light scattering by slightly nonspherical particles on surfaces

We investigate the shape dependence of the scattering by dielectric and metallic particles on surfaces by considering particles whose free-space scattering properties are nearly identical. The scattering by metallic particles is strongly dependent on the shape of the particle in the region near where the particle touches the surface. The scattering by dielectric particles displays a weaker, but nonetheless significant, dependence on particle shape. These results have a significant effect on the use of light scattering to size and identify particles on surfaces.     

Light scattering by needle-type and disk-type particles

A powerful tool to analyze light scattering by 3D arbitrary-shaped homogeneous or inhomogeneous obstacles located in free space is based on volume integral equation. In this paper we apply a weak form of volume integral equation to simulate light scattering by needle- and disk-type particles such as straight and curved cylinders, cylindrical plate and hexagonal prism with high aspect ratio and low and high values of refractive indexes. For problems where discrete sources method could be applied, we calculated differential scattering cross-section using both methods and got excellent agreement in results.     

随机取向群聚椭球粒子光散射特性研究

利用离散偶极子近似方法,考虑单元粒子之间的电磁相互作用,数值计算了随机取向的不同尺度参数、不同纵横比的群聚椭球粒子的缪勒矩阵元素,给出了各个缪勒矩阵元素的角分布曲线,探讨了随机取向的群聚椭球粒子的尺度参数、纵横比、基本粒子相对位置对其缪勒矩阵元素的影响。并将随机取向群聚椭球粒子的光散射特性与单个等效球形粒子的数值结果进行了比较。结果表明,随机取向群聚椭球粒子的光散射特性与等效球形粒子的光散射特性存在很大差别,基本粒子的形状越偏离球形,这种差别就越大; 随机取向群聚椭球粒子中椭球粒子的纵横比和相对位置对整个群聚粒子的缪勒矩阵元素存在不同程度的影响,并且此影响随着粒子尺度参数的增大而变得更加显著。