Polarized Light Scattering from Irregular Contaminants on a Planar Substrate
Abstract
A model has been developed that can be used to predict the polarization state of scattered light from surface particles satisfying the specific criterion that the polarization state of the light scattered by the isolated particle is symmetric and resembles that of a Rayleigh sphere. Although this condition appears constraining, it may be satisfied by many common contaminants of interest, such as dust and aggregates of Rayleigh-sized particles. When these contaminants are placed on a substrate and the system is illuminated at near-grazing incidence, the polarization state of the scattered light is shown to be nearly independent of the actual shape and refractive index of the contaminant. It is, however, sensitive to the dimensions of the particle and substrate refractive index. Thus, the model may be useful in determining the size of surface contaminants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA356640
Entities
People
- Gorden W. Videen
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory