Light Scattering by Small Particles (Dover Books on Physics)

Book Details

• Author: H. C. van de Hulst

• Publisher: Dover Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: Corrected Edition

• ISBN: 9780486642284

• Pages: 496

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches

About The Book

A must for researchers using the techniques of light scattering — this endorsement from the Journal of the Franklin Institute captures the essence of H. C. van de Hulst’s authoritative work. This seminal book provides an exhaustive and practical exploration of the light-scattering properties of small, independent, homogeneous particles, bridging the gap between theoretical electromagnetics and applicable results for experimental analysis.

The author starts with foundational principles such as energy conservation, momentum, and wave propagation, progressively advancing to detailed treatments of polarized light and symmetry relations. Central to the book is an in-depth discussion on Mie theory, addressing scattering by spheres of arbitrary size, and multiple approximation techniques including Rayleigh-Gans, perfect reflection, and geometrical optics.

Van de Hulst's work shines in its meticulous presentation of computation methods tailored for various particle types and conditions—be it tiny particles, water droplets, absorbing or non-absorbing spheres, or even edge and surface wave phenomena. The final sections guide researchers in using light scattering and extinction experiments for real-world applications in chemistry, meteorology, and astronomy.

With over 400 references, 46 tables, 59 graphs, and 44 illustrations, this volume is not just a theoretical resource but a hands-on manual for scientific investigations in light scattering. Its detailed content and clarity of explanation make it indispensable for physicists, chemists, atmospheric scientists, and optical engineers engaged in scattering research.