Scattering matrices and expansion coefficients of martian analogue palagonite particles

• Published in: Icarus (New York, N.Y. 1962) Vol. 199; no. 1; pp. 219 - 230
• Main Authors: Laan, E.C., Volten, H., Stam, D.M., Muñoz, O., Hovenier, J.W., Roush, T.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Astronomy; atmosphere; climate; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Mars; Polarimetry; Radiative transfer; Solar system; surface; Mars; Radiative transfer; Polarimetry; Mars, surface; Generalized function; Mars, atmosphere; Multiple scattering; Polarized particle; Particle scattering; Sunlight; Mars, climate; Solar system; Matrix elements; Scattering matrix; Spherical function
• ISSN: 0019-1035; 1090-2643
• DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2008.08.011

We present measurements of ratios of elements of the scattering matrix of martian analogue palagonite particles for scattering angles ranging from 3° to 174° and a wavelength of 632.8 nm. To facilitate the use of these measurements in radiative transfer calculations we have devised a method that enables us to obtain, from these measurements, a normalized synthetic scattering matrix covering the complete scattering angle range from 0° to 180°. Our method is based on employing the coefficients of the expansions of scattering matrix elements into generalized spherical functions. The synthetic scattering matrix elements and/or the expansion coefficients obtained in this way, can be used to include multiple scattering by these irregularly shaped particles in (polarized) radiative transfer calculations, such as calculations of sunlight that is scattered in the dusty martian atmosphere.