Retrieval of particle-size distribution and number-density profile in clouds and fogs from multiple scattered radiation

Abstract

Diffracted part of the light scattered by both one particle and a scattering medium is rigorously separated from the total multiple scattered intensity. Simple analytical equations for the diffracted part based on the wave parabolic equation are obtained for both the transillumination scheme and the lidar scheme of measurements. The advantage to use the diffracted part for the inverse problems of retrieval of particle size distributions and particle number density profiles from the multiple scattered intensity is discussed.