The measurement of light scattering by particles is employed in the majority of science and engineering fields. The universal importance of electromagnetic scattering, combined with recent developments in efficient numerical algorithms and experimental techniques, is helping expand the scope and utility of scattering in various fields of geophysics.

Light scattering, a sub-discipline of optics, is a fundamental sensing technique that is routinely used in a wide range of applications. For example, optical techniques permit comprehensive characterization of small particles, such as marine phytoplankton. Phytoplankton can alter the spectral content of sunlight back-scattered by seawater. This alteration can be detected from space, thus permitting efficient monitoring of the ocean's productivity.

In addition, sensors that utilize light scattering for characterizing particles have applications in oceanography, remote sensing, meteorology, chemical engineering, and medical diagnostics.

The authors' area of expertise is in applying scattering techniques for non-destructive characterization/testing of environmental fluids with particles. This book illuminates fundamental questions facing experimenters and modelers of light scattering by water-borne particles, and provides a comprehensive resource for researchers.

*Extensive reference section provides handy compilations of knowledge on the designs of light scattering meters, sources of experimental data, and more
*Worked exercises and examples throughout