Scattering of Waves from Large Spheres

A complete mathematical and physical description of waves scattering from spherical targets, with an emphasis on spheres large compared with the wavelengths of incident waves. Common atmospheric phenomena such as the rainbow are employed to illustrate the theoretical development.

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This book describes the scattering of waves, both scalar and electromagnetic, from impenetrable and penetrable spheres. Although the scattering of plane waves from spheres is an old subject, there is little doubt that it is still maturing as a broad range of new applications demands an understanding of finer details. In this book attention is focused primarily on spherical radii much larger than incident wavelengths, along with the asymptotic techniques required for physical analysis of the scattering mechanisms involved. Applications to atmospheric phenomena such as the rainbow and glory are included, as well as a detailed analysis of optical resonances. Extensions of the theory to inhomogeneous and nonspherical particles, collections of spheres, and bubbles are also discussed. This book will be of primary interest to graduate students and researchers in physics (particularly in the fields of optics, the atmospheric sciences and astrophysics), electrical engineering, physical chemistry and some areas of biology.