Properties of light backscattering on hollow hexagonal ice columns for optical models of cirrus clouds
A.V. Konoshonkin1,2, N.V. Kustova1, V.A. Shishko1,2, D.N. Timofeev1, I.V. Tkachev1, E. Bakute2, A.E. Babinovich2, X. Zhu3, Z. Wang3
1V.E. Zuev Institute of Atmospheric Optics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Tomsk, Russia
2National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
3Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Optics, Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
Keywords: light scattering, physical optics method, atmospheric ice crystal, cirrus cloud, hollow hexagonal column
Abstract
Cirrus clouds have a significant impact on the radiation balance of our planet and play a crucial role in climate formation. To study their optical properties, it is necessary to address the issue of light scattering by nonspherical ice particles. This article focuses on the numerical simulation of the characteristics of light backscattering for hollow hexagonal columns using the physical optics method. The study examines particles ranging in size from 10 to 316 mm, with wavelengths of 0.355, 0.532, and 1.064 mm. The findings reveal that as the cavity of hexagonal columns increases, the backscattering peak caused by corner reflection rapidly decreases, then several secondary maxima appear, which account for up to 10% of the main peak. At the same time, the position of these secondary maxima remains unaffected by particle size and incident wavelength but is significantly influenced by the particle's shape. These results are valuable for developing an optical model of cirrus clouds and for laser sounding of the atmosphere.
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