The Validity of Obtaining the Total Attenuation Coefficient by Adding the Coefficients of Absorption and Scattering.

Abstract

Though the notion is firmly established that alpha, the total attenuation coefficient, consisting of the absorption coefficient, a, plus the scattering coefficient, s, should be used in the exponential attenuation law I=(I sub zero)(e to the minus alpha x power) for light transmission, the practice is shown to be incorrect. Evidence is presented that not only can alpha not be used properly in the exponential attenuation law as is customary but no attenuation law is possible in which alpha = (a + s) can be used correctly, at least for shallow angle scattering and, although not shown, probably not for any kind of scattering. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 25, 1974
Accession Number
AD0779003

Entities

People

  • Cyrus Beck

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Absorption Coefficients
  • Attenuation
  • Coefficients
  • Electromagnetic Scattering
  • Light Transmission
  • Scattering
  • Wave Phenomena

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Analytical Mechanics
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Theoretical Analysis.