The Scattering Cross Section of Water Drops in Air for Visible Light

Abstract

Additional values of the scattering cross section of water drops in air have been computed from the theory of Mie. The water drops are assumed to be dielectric spheres of index of refraction 4/3. Values of the scattering area coefficient have been computed for 50 values of α = 2πr/λ, ranging from 7 to 24. The curve of the scattering area coefficient versus α has three major maxima and two minima in this range, with indications that the curve continues to oscillate with decreasing amplitude for increasing α. Numerous minor oscillations were found in the vicinity of the major maxima and minima.