Abstract

The backscattering of a laser beam from a particulate medium is studied by means of the radiative transfer equation, taking into account the effect of multiple scattering. An analytical expression for the backscattered power is obtained. From this the widely used single scattered lidar equation is recovered as an asymptotic form. Numerical results are discussed for the case of laser power returned from an advective fog.

© 1983 Optical Society of America

Modeling atmospheric aerosol backscatter at CO₂ laser wavelengths. 1: Aerosol properties, modeling techniques, and associated problems

G. S. Kent, Glenn K. Yue, U. O. Farrukh, and Adarsh Deepak
Appl. Opt. 22(11) 1655-1665 (1983)

Modeling atmospheric aerosol backscatter at CO₂ laser wavelengths. 3: Effects of changes in wavelength and ambient conditions

Glenn K. Yue, G. S. Kent, U. O. Farrukh, and Adarsh Deepak
Appl. Opt. 22(11) 1671-1678 (1983)

Airborne measurements of laser backscatter from the ocean surface

Jack L. Bufton, Frank E. Hoge, and Robert N. Swift
Appl. Opt. 22(17) 2603-2618 (1983)

Modeling atmospheric aerosol backscatter at CO₂ laser wavelengths. 2: Modeled values in the atmosphere

G. S. Kent, Glenn K. Yue, U. O. Farrukh, and Adarsh Deepak
Appl. Opt. 22(11) 1666-1670 (1983)

Off-axis propagation of a laser beam in low visibility weather conditions

W. G. Tam and A. Zardecki
Appl. Opt. 19(16) 2822-2827 (1980)