How much is enough? The convergence of finite sample scattering properties to those of infinite media. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Penttilä, Antti; Markkanen, Johannes; Väisänen, Timo; Räbinä, Jukka; Yurkin, Maxim A.; Muinonen, Karri
• Is Part Of: Journal of quantitative spectroscopy & radiative transfer. Volume 262(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Scattering -- Particulate random media -- Radiative transfer -- Maxwell equations; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Periodicals; Analyse spectrale -- Périodiques; Rayonnement -- Périodiques; Radiation; Spectrum analysis; Periodicals; 543.0858
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jqsrt.2021.107524
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4073

Abstract

Highlights: We study the scattering properties of a large cloud of wavelength-sized particles. Methods solving the Maxwell equations and radiative-transfer approximation are used. System with ten million particles can estimate macroscopic scattering properties. Abstract: We study the scattering properties of a cloud of particles. The particles are spherical, close to the incident wavelength in size, have a high albedo, and are randomly packed to 20% volume density. We show, using both numerically exact methods for solving the Maxwell equations and radiative-transfer-approximation methods, that the scattering properties of the cloud converge after about ten million particles in the system. After that, the backward-scattered properties of the system should estimate the properties of a macroscopic, practically infinite system.