Open AccessInterference phenomena at backscattering by ice crystals of cirrus clouds
Author(s) -
Anatoli G. Borovoi,
Natalia V. Kustova,
Alexander V. Konoshonkin
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.024557
Subject(s) - cirrus , optics , interference (communication) , lidar , diffraction , ice crystals , scattering , mueller calculus , coherent backscattering , distortion (music) , mie scattering , forward scatter , physics , light scattering , materials science , physical optics , polarimetry , optoelectronics , meteorology , amplifier , channel (broadcasting) , cmos , electrical engineering , engineering
It is shown that light backscattering by hexagonal ice crystals of cirrus clouds is formed within the physical-optics approximation by both diffraction and interference phenomena. Diffraction determines the angular width of the backscattering peak and interference produces the interference rings inside the peak. By use of a simple model for distortion of the pristine hexagonal shape, we show that the shape distortion leads to both oscillations of the scattering (Mueller) matrix within the backscattering peak and to a strong increase of the depolarization, color, and lidar ratios needed for interpretation of lidar signals.