title: Backscattering measurements of micron-sized spherical particles.
abstract: An apparatus was designed and assembled to measure scattered light in the range of 180°±6° where enhanced backscattering, the cause of a glory, occurs. The apparatus was calibrated and tested using Fraunhofer circular aperture diffraction, angle of incidence correction, and a diffuse reflector. Theory indicates that backscattering is strongly dependent on particle size, refractive index, and shape. Experimental measurements from polystyrene latex spheres of two sizes and water droplets showed good agreement with Mie theory, but also indicated the extreme sensitivity of the backscattering to particle parameters. The results presented should have use in the fields of particle scattering, particle metrology, and LIDAR.
authors.forename: Brendan M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Heffernan
authors.forename: Yuli W
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Heinson
authors.forename: Justin B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Maughan
authors.forename: Amitabha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chakrabarti
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sorensen