PAP315 Computational light scattering (2020-2023)

1. Course title

Laskennallinen valonsironta
ruotsinkielinen nimi?
Computational light scattering

2. Course code

PAP315

Aikaisemmat leikkaavat opintojaksot 53919 Sähkömagneettinen sironta I, 5 op

3. Course status: optional

-Which degree programme is responsible for the course?
Master’s Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences

-Which module does the course belong to?
PAP3001 Advanced Studies in Astrophysical Sciences (optional for Study Track in Astrophysical Sciences)

-Is the course available to students from other degree programmes?
Yes

4. Course level (first-, second-, third-cycle/EQF levels 6, 7 and 8)

Master’s level, degree programmes in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine = secondcycle
degree/EQF level 7
Doctoral level = third-cycle (doctoral) degree/EQF level 8

-Does the course belong to basic, intermediate or advanced studies (cf. Government Decree
on University Degrees)?
Advanced studies

5. Recommended time/stage of studies for completion

After the theoretical astrophysics package in the B.Sc. programme for physical sciences.

6. Term/teaching period when the course will be offered

The course is offered in the autumn in period I every other year.

7. Scope of the course in credits

5 cr

8. Teacher coordinating the course

Karri Muinonen, Antti Penttilä, Anne Virkki

9. Course learning outcomes

The course Electromagnetic Scattering I offers an introduction and theoretical foundation for elastic electromagnetic scattering by arbitrary objects (usually called particles). As compared to the wavelength, the sizes of the objects can be small or large, or of the order of the wavelength.  As to the shape of the objects, main emphasis is on spherical particles and, subsequently, on the so-called Mie scattering. The optical properties of the objects are typically described by the refractive index.

10. Course completion methods

The course can also be taken individually with flexible timing after a discussion and planning session with the lecturers.

11. Prerequisites

Introduction to light scattering.

12. Recommended optional studies

Electromagnetic Scattering II

13. Course content

Computational light scattering assesses elastic light scattering (electromagnetic scattering) by particles of arbitrary sizes, shapes, and optical properties. Particular attention is paid to advanced computational methods for both single and multiple scattering, that is, to methods for isolated particles and extended media of particles (cf. dust particles in cometary comae and particulate media on asteroids). Theoretical foundations are described for the physics of light scattering based on the Maxwell equations and for a number of computational methods. In single scattering, the methods include, for example, the volume integral equation, discrete-dipole approximation, T-matrix or transition matrix, and finite-difference time-domain methods. In multiple scattering, the methods are typically based on Monte Carlo ray tracing. These include far-field radiative transfer and coherent backscattering methods and their extensions incorporating full-wave interactions. Students are engaged in developing numerical methods for specific scattering problems. The development and computations take place in both laptop and supercomputing environments.

14. Recommended and required literature

Set reading:

K. Muinonen, Electromagnetic Scattering I, Lecture Notes, 2012 (latest draft)

C. F. Bohren & D. R. Huffman, Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles, Wiley & Sons, 2010

J. D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, Wiley & Sons, 1998

Supplementary reading:

H. C. van de Hulst, Light Scattering by Small Particles, Wiley & Sons, 1957 (Dover, 1981)

M. I. Mishchenko, J. W. Hovenier, \& L. D. Travis, Light Scattering by Nonspherical Particles, Academic Press, 2000

M. I. Mishchenko, L. D. Travis & A. A. Lacis, Scattering, Absorption, and Emission of Light by Small Particles, Cambridge University Press, 2002

A. Doicu, Y. Eremin & T. Wriedt, Acoustic & Electromagnetic

Scattering Analysis Using Discrete Sources, Academic Press, 2000

15. Activities and teaching methods in support of learning

The course is composed of exercises, a project, and a final exam.

16. Assessment practices and criteria, grading scale

The grading scale for accepted outcomes is 1-5 based on the final exam and the bonus points obtained from the exercises and the project work.

17. Teaching language

English