Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Publication Date

5-17-1966

Abstract

Many observations have been made of the enhanced back scattering of light waves from water droplets. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as the glory, is inexplicable in terms of ray optics. Calculations based upon the Mie series solution to the scattering of an electromagnetic plane wave from a dielectric sphere suggest that this pronounced scattering is due to surface waves which travel around the sphere and are emitted in phase preferentially in the forward and backward direction. These results have also been verified experimentally by examining the backscattered light from a water droplet.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Howard Carnes Bryant

Second Committee Member

Philip Montgomery Campbell

Third Committee Member

Charles Leroy Beckel

Fourth Committee Member

Christopher Dean

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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