Light Scattering by Small Particles

"A must for researchers using the techniques of light scattering." ― S. C. Snowdon, Journal of the Franklin Institute

The measurement of light scattering of independent, homogeneous particles has many useful applications in physical chemistry, meteorology and astronomy. There is, however, a sizeable gap between the abstract formulae related to electromagnetic-wave-scattering phenomena, and the computation of reliable figures and curves. Dr. van de Hulst's book enables researchers to bridge that gap. The product of twelve years of work, it is an exhaustive study of light-scattering properties of small, individual particles, and includes a survey of all the relevant literature.

Beginning with a broad overview of basic scattering theory, Dr. van de Hulst covers the conservation of energy and momentum; wave propagation in vacuum and in a medium containing scatterers; and polarized light and symmetry relations. The heart of the book is devoted to the rigorous scattering theory for spheres of arbitrary size (Mie theory) and to various modes of approximation such as the Rayleigh-Gaas approximation, the perfect reflection approximation, the geometrical-optics approximation, and others. Methods of computation are given with respect to different kinds of particles, bodies and phenomena: particles small or very large compared to the wavelength, absorbing and nonabsorbing spheres, water drops, circular cylinders, edge phenomena and surface waves, and many others. In the last part, the author covers the use of scattering and extinction experiments as a practical tool, including applications in chemistry, meteorology and astronomy.

This book's comprehensive, lucid coverage of the field makes it a valuable source for all those interested in light-scattering theory. It is absolutely essential for researchers needing to employ light-scattering measurements, and its republication will be welcomed especially by those who have found this necessary source difficult to obtain. Over 400 references. 46 tables. 59 graphs. Subject and name indexes. 44 illustrations.