Java application for the superposition T-matrix code to study the optical properties of cosmic dust aggregates

Abstract

In this paper, we report the development of a java application for the Superposition T-matrix code, JaSTA (Java Superposition T-matrix App), to study the light scattering properties of aggregate structures. It has been developed using Netbeans 7.1.2, which is a java integrated development environment (IDE). The JaSTA uses double precession superposition codes for multi-sphere clusters in random orientation developed by Mackowski and Mischenko (1996). It consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) in the front hand and a database of related data in the back hand. Both the interactive GUI and database package directly enable a user to model by self-monitoring respective input parameters (namely, wavelength, complex refractive indices, grain size, etc.) to study the related optical properties of cosmic dust (namely, extinction, polarization, etc.) instantly, i.e., with zero computational time. This increases the efficiency of the user. The database of JaSTA is now created for a few sets of input parameters with a plan to create a large database in future. This application also has an option where users can compile and run the scattering code directly for aggregates in GUI environment. The JaSTA aims to provide convenient and quicker data analysis of the optical properties which can be used in different fields like planetary science, atmospheric science, nano science, etc. The current version of this software is developed for the Linux and Windows platform to study the light scattering properties of small aggregates which will be extended for larger aggregates using parallel codes in future. Program SummaryProgram title: JaSTA: Java Superposition T-matrix App.Catalogue identifier: AETB_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AETB_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 571570No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 120226886Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: Java, Fortran95.Computer: Any Windows or Linux systems capable of hosting a java runtime environment, java3D and fortran95 compiler; Developed on 2.40 GHz Intel Core i3.Operating system: Any Windows or Linux systems capable of hosting a java runtime environment, java3D and fortran95 compiler.RAM: Ranging from a few Mbytes to several Gbytes, depending on the input parameters.Classification: 1.3.External routines: jfreechart-1.0.14 [1] (free plotting library for java), j3d-jre-1.5.2 [2] (3D visualization).Nature of problem: Optical properties of cosmic dust aggregates.Solution method: Java application based on Mackowski and Mischenko’s Superposition T-Matrix code.Restrictions: The program is designed for single processor systems.Additional comments: The distribution file for this program is over 120 Mbytes and therefore is not delivered directly when Download or Email is requested. Instead a html file giving details of how the program can be obtained is sent.Running time: Ranging from few minutes to several hours, depending on the input parameters.