Scattering by a small object close to an interface II Study of backscattering

Abstract

Scattering by a small object located close to an interface is analyzed according to the exact-image theory formulation. The scatterer is assumed to be small compared with wavelength, permitting the electric-dipole approximation, and to have a scalar polarizability. After the derivation of the dipole moment, investigations concentrate on far-field scattering. Backscattering enhancement and reversal of linear polarization are confirmed through statistical averaging over scatterer height and system orientation.