MIE SCATTERING IN THE FORWARD AREA.

The scattering of light in the forward area is investigated from a theoretical point of view, and it is based on all available data computed according to the Mie formulas. A wide range of refractive indices, n, from n 1.05 to n 2.0 was selected. The behavior of these scattering coefficients is investigated and described in detail. It is found that for example, while i theta shows major oscillations, only plateaus are found for pM, and their width is related to the refractive index. The amplitude of the major oscillation decreases with increasing size parameter. Superimposed on these oscillations are ripples, the phase of which agrees exactly with the phase of the ripples for the total scattering coefficient K. Several ripple systems are noted and some regularity in their appearance is clearly indicated. The multi-valueness of the scattering function and its consequences are also pointed out. This is followed by a careful investigation of practical limits for the Rayleigh and the Mie region. Author