Double Scattering of Electromagnetic Radiation by a Fluid

Abstract

The standard, first-order theory of the scattering of electromagnetic radiation by a fluid of spherical, electromagnetically isotropic molecules is extended here to the study of radiation which is scattered twice before being observed. Expressions for both the average intensity and the average polarization tensor of the doubly scattered light are obtained in terms of the molecular distribution functions of the scattering fluid. It is shown that under appropriate circumstances it may be possible to observe this doubly scattered radiation experimentally, and that data from such an experiment may yield useful information about the three- and four-particle molecular distribution functions of the fluid.