Polarization properties of quasi-fractal porous particles

Abstract

Numerous studies of cometary dust have shown that it has a fairly complex hierarchical structure. At the same time, space missions have provided evidence of solid particles. Computer modeling of light scattering, for which agglomerate debris particles were used, showed that the characteristics of the scattered light strongly depend on the presence of solid particles. We propose a model that makes it possible to fractalize the agglomerate debris particles. A particle constructed in accordance with the proposed model combines large and small fragments. Depending on the model parameters, you can make the particle fluffier or more compact. A comparison of the degree of linear polarization between quasi-fractal porous particles and solid particles, as well as between quasi-fractal porous particles and Maxwell Garnett particles is carried out. It has been established that there is the difference between really porous particles and particles, for which the porosity is taken into account by the Maxwell Garrett theory. We recommend using the Maxwell Garnett theory only for studying uniformly distributed inclusions, and for quasi-fractal structures it is better to use the exact calculations.