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sparkle_pony
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Other than Rayleigh and to a lesser extent Mie scattering what other mechanisms might exist that would contribute to backscatter for a high energy laser propagating through the lower atmosphere?
Laser backscatter refers to the scattering of laser light by particles or molecules in a medium, such as air, water, or biological tissues. This phenomenon is commonly used in remote sensing and lidar applications to measure atmospheric properties or map the surface of the Earth.
The main contributors to laser backscatter include aerosols (such as dust, smoke, and pollution particles), water droplets, and molecules (such as oxygen and nitrogen) in the atmosphere. Other factors that can influence backscatter include surface roughness, temperature, and humidity.
The size of particles has a significant impact on laser backscatter. Smaller particles tend to scatter light more efficiently than larger particles, which is why aerosols and molecules are major contributors to backscatter. However, larger particles can also contribute to backscatter, especially in dense clouds or highly turbid water.
Yes, laser backscatter is commonly used in environmental research to study various properties of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces. For example, lidar instruments can measure the concentration of pollutants in the air, map the topography of the ocean floor, and detect changes in the thickness of ice sheets.
Laser backscatter is a specific type of light scattering that involves the use of a laser as the light source. Compared to other forms of light scattering, such as Rayleigh or Mie scattering, laser backscatter is more sensitive to smaller particles and can provide more precise measurements. Additionally, laser backscatter can be used in remote sensing applications, allowing for non-intrusive measurements of the environment.