Analytical multiple-scattering extension of the Mie theory: The LIDAR equation

Abstract

Multiple scattering of light in aerosol media is described in a simple picture within the framework of Mie theory. Our approach leads to an analytical expression of then-fold scattered electromagnetic field and then to an analytical derivation of multiple-scattering LIDAR equation form transport theory. This approach differs from both the descriptions of multiple scattering based on the approximation of radiative-tranfer theory and from statistical approaches mainly based on Monte-Carlo calculations. The physical quantities of interest are expressed by straightforward generalization of the corresponding single-scattering quantities. Therefore, the multiple-scattering contributions are calculated without losing the advantage of working with analytical expression in the frame of Mie theory.