Scattering of Waves from Large Spheres

This book provides a complete mathematical and physical description of both scalar and electromagnetic waves scattering from spherical targets. Focusing primarily on spherical radii much larger than incident wavelengths, Walter Grandy explicates and applies the mathematical tools required for developing a deep understanding of the physical processes involved. He employees common atmospheric phenomena such as the rainbow and glory to illustrate theoretical development. Grandy also provides a detailed analysis of optical resonances and extends the theory to include inhomogeneous and nonspherical particles, collections of spheres, and bubbles. 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.

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.