Backscattering attenuation characteristics of multi-sized dust particles to pulsed laser.

Abstract To measure the concentration of dust particle, we must know the scattering characteristics of light in the dust, and the backscattering has a non-negligible impact on the monitoring of dust. Here we present an algorithm using a theory of optical geometric scattering for modeling backward scattering of multi-sized dust particle. Investigation of the backscattering characteristics of multi-sized dust particles to pulsed laser was performed, and the backscattering coefficients under different particle concentrations are calculated. It is revealed in the simulations, that the attenuation and backscattering energy of three types of dust enhanced with the increase of the particle concentration, and the further propagating distance was, the more obvious the attenuation. Moreover, soot particles had larger backscattering coefficient than the other two, the attenuation rate after a distance of 50 m was much greater than the backscattering rate, which results in the backscattering power received was lower. The algorithm presented here could be used for producing reference data and technical support when applied to the retrieval of the multi-sized dust particle concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]