Computational light scattering
Course page for Computational light scattering — Laskennallinen valonsironta
Advanced Course, 5 credits, PAP315, Fall 2026, Period 1
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.
Course is held on Tuesdays 10-12 and Fridays 10-12 (to be changed), but there are exceptions described in the information package below. Lectures are given in the Physicum lecture rooms D117. Exercise sessions are in Physicum D117, Thursdays 14-16.
Lectures are given by Karri Muinonen, Yehor Surkov, Antti Penttilä, and exercises by Ari Leppälä and Hanna Pentikäinen.
Recommended preliminary knowledge: basic courses in Physics, basic courses in Mathematics, Electrodynamics, Mathematical Methods for Physicists I & II, Scientific Computing I.
Information
Lecture material
- Lecture 2, , ,
Exercises
Project tasks
Background material
- P. C.Y. Chang, J.G. Walker, K.I. Hopcraft. . JQSRT 96 (2005).
- Mie codes in Python: or in Fortran77:
- Mishchenko's T-matrix code for particles in random orientation, modified to read parameters from an input file: , , . An example input file , and article explaining the parameters:
- Mackowski's MSTM code: , and example input file:
- Example input files for RT-CB code:
- Alternative for RT-CB, copy to directory src\dsfmt under the rt-cb root folder
Suggested reading
- J. D. Jackson: Classical Electrodynamics
- C. F. Bohren & D. R. Huffman: Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles
- M. I. Mishchenko, J. W. Hovenier & L. D. Travis: Light Scattering by Nonspherical Particles: Theory, Measurements, and Applications
- H. C. van de Hulst: Light Scattering by Small Particles
Previous versions of this course