SCATMECH > Classes and Functions > Free-Space Scattering Models > Free_Space_Scatterer

Abstract class Free_Space_Scatterer

The abstract class Free_Space_Scatterer represents a free space scatterer of any shape. The class provides a virtual pure function that returns the scattering matrix as a function of the incident and scattered directions using a polarization basis set consisting of in-plane and out-of-plane vectors.

The convention for Free_Space_Scatterer is for the scattering matrix to be that which relates the field Escat at a distance R from the scatterer, given an incident field Einc, according to


scatter2   [L]

To obtain a Mueller matrix differential scattering cross section, the scattering matrix should be divided by k and then converted by typecasting to a MuellerMatrix.

Parameters:

Parameter Data Type Description Default
medium dielectric_function The optical constants of the medium surrounding the particle, expressed as a complex number (n,k) or, optionally, as a function of wavelength.
Note: This material must be non-absorbing (k=0).		 (1,0)
lambda double Wavelength of the light [µm]. 0.532

See also:

SCATMECH Home,   Conventions,   SphericalScatterer,   RayleighScatterer,   RayleighGansSphereScatterer,   MieScatterer,   TMatrix_Axisymmetric_Scatterer

C. F. Bohren and D. R. Huffman, Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles, (Wiley, New York, 1983).
H. C. van de Hulst, Light Scattering by Small Particles, (Dover, New York, 1981).

Include file:

#include "sphrscat.h"

Source code:

sphrscat.cpp
reg_sphrscat.cpp

Definition of public elements:

class Free_Space_Scatterer : public Model
{
        public:
                virtual JonesMatrix jones(const Vector& kin,const Vector& kout) = 0;
};

typedef Model_Ptr<Free_Space_Scatterer> Free_Space_Scatterer_Ptr;

virtual JonesMatrix jones(const Vector& kin,const Vector& kout)

A pure virtual function which returns the Jones scattering matrix. The parameter kin must be a unit vector in the direction of propagation of the incident light, and the parameter kout must be a unit vector in the direction of propagation for the observed light.

Top of Page.

For More Information

SCATMECH Technical Information and Questions
Optical Technology Division (OTD) Home Page
OTD Technical Inquiries
OTD Website Comments

Current SCATMECH version: 6.00 (February 2008)
This page first online: Version 5.00 (July 2005)
This page last modified: Version 6.00 (February 2008)