Quasi-rayleigh polarization leap of monodisperse spherical particle as a tool to detect particle radius

Abstract

When the size of scattering particle is increased to be comparable with wavelength, Rayleigh approximation becomes not valid. In polarization scattering pattern this quasi-rayleigh behavior manifests itself as a sharp drop of the degree of linear polarization to the negative values. In this paper, we studied the properties and features of this quasi-rayleigh polarization leap for monodisperse spherical scatterers. The main regularities that determine the wavelength position of the quasi-rayleigh polarization leap are established depending on the phase angle, refractive index and size parameter of the scatterers. A method is suggested for determining the radius of spherical scattering particles of the polystyrene beads in Earth's atmosphere. A simple interpolation formula is given, which allows, based on observational data, such as phase angle and the wavelength at which the quasi-rayleigh polarization leap is observed, to calculate the particle radius.