A 3D implementation of ray tracing combined with diffraction on facets: Verification and a potential application

A 3D implementation of a new model of light scattering applicable to dielectric faceted objects is introduced. The model combines standard geometric optics with diffraction on individual facets. It can be applied to any faceted geometry. The model adds no significant computational overheads to classical geometric optics yet provides much improved results. Initial results for long hexagonal columns are compared to SVM and appear favourable. 2D scattering patterns are calculated for a hexagonal column in a fixed orientation and compared to those created by ice analogue crystals in the laboratory with close agreement. The comparison includes the observation of a guided wave propagating along the length of the column. The new model is then applied to a selection of geometries to illustrate how it could be used to aid particle characterization, particularly in the case of cirrus ice. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.