Retrieving the aerosol complex refractive index using PyMieScatt: A Mie computational package with visualization capabilities. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sumlin, Benjamin J.; Heinson, William R.; Chakrabarty, Rajan K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of quantitative spectroscopy & radiative transfer. Volume 205(2018)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Aerosol optics -- Mie theory -- Python 3 -- Electromagnetic scattering and absorption -- Open-source software; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Periodicals; Analyse spectrale -- Périodiques; Rayonnement -- Périodiques; Radiation; Spectrum analysis; Periodicals; 543.0858
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jqsrt.2017.10.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4073

Abstract

Highlights: Open-source cross-platform software for direct and inverse Mie calculations. Derive complex refractive indices from optical measurements. Compute efficiencies for single particles, coated spheres, or polydisperse ensembles. Compute angular scattering intensity functions and matrix elements. Abstract: The complex refractive index m = n + ik of a particle is an intrinsic property which cannot be directly measured; it must be inferred from its extrinsic properties such as the scattering and absorption cross-sections. Bohren and Huffman called this approach "describing the dragon from its tracks", since the inversion of Lorenz-Mie theory equations is intractable without the use of computers. This article describes PyMieScatt, an open-source module for Python that contains functionality for solving the inverse problem for complex m using extensive optical and physical properties as input, and calculating regions where valid solutions may exist within the error bounds of laboratory measurements. Additionally, the module has comprehensive capabilities for studying homogeneous and coated single spheres, as well as ensembles of homogeneous spheres with user-defined size distributions, making it a complete tool for studying the optical behavior of spherical particles.