Angle step selection for geometrical-optics approximation in light scattering

On the basis of the Shannon sampling theorem, we present a relationship between the maximal scattering angle step and the radius of particles in the calculation of light scattering intensity distribution. For the first rainbow intensity application, the relationship between the maximal scattering angle step and radius of particles is derived from that between the ripple frequency and radius and refractive index of particles using this method. For the geometrical-optics approximation, the incident angle is used to calculate the scattering intensity distribution. To get the highest speed, the maximal incident angle step is necessary. The relationship between the maximal step of incident angle and radius of particles is deduced from the maximal scattering angle step equation. As indicated by our result, the maximal step of the incident angle is not a constant and it varies with incident angle. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.