Mie Scattering
Résumé
Solution to the problem of radiation scattering by a homogeneous dielectric sphere. It yields a realistic model of scattering by spherical (e.g., liquid) droplets found in some atmospheric clouds, as well as a convenient first-order approximation for nonspherical scatterers also found in planetary clouds and/or hazes, bridging the gap between the small scatterer approximation (Rayleigh scattering) and large scatter approximation (geometric optics). Compared to Rayleigh scattering, Mie scattering is weakly wavelength dependent and weakly polarizing.