Scattering
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Scattering
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The process by which small particles suspended in a medium of a different
index
of refraction diffuse a portion of the incident radiation in
all directions. In scattering, no energy transformation results, only a change
in the spatial distribution of the radiation. Also called scatter.
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Along with absorption, scattering is a major cause of the attenuation
of radiation by the atmosphere. Scattering varies as a function of the ratio
of the particle diameter to the wavelength of the radiation. When this ratio
is less than about one-tenth, Rayleigh
scattering occurs in which the scattering coefficient varies inversely as
the fourth power of the wavelength. At larger values of the ratio of particle
diameter to wavelength, the scattering varies in a complex fashion described
by the Mie
theory; at a ratio of the order of 10, the laws of geometric optics begin
to apply.
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References
This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use
