Rayleigh Scattering Cross-Section for Particles

Rayleigh scattering is the elastic scattering of light or other electromagnetic radiation by particles much smaller than the wavelength of the radiation.

The Rayleigh scattering cross-section is proportional to the diameter to the sixth power divided by the wavelength to the fourth power. It is modified by the refractive index within the material.

Formula

QuantityVariable["σ", "Area"] == (2*Pi^5*QuantityVariable["d", "Diameter"]^6*(-1 + QuantityVariable["n", "Unitless"]^2)^2)/(3*(2 + QuantityVariable["n", "Unitless"]^2)^2*QuantityVariable["λ", "Wavelength"]^4)

symbol	description	physical quantity
σ	Rayleigh scattering cross-section	"Area"
d	diameter	"Diameter"
n	refractive index within material	"Unitless"
λ	wavelength	"Wavelength"

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$FormulaData[ ResourceObject[ "Rayleigh Scattering Cross-Section for Particles"], \ {QuantityVariable["n","Unitless"] -> 1.333`, QuantityVariable["\[Sigma]","Area"] -> None}]$

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Rayleigh Scattering Cross-Section for Particles

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