Abstract:
A method is described for determining the index of refraction distribution and the particle size distribution
of suspended particles. The distribution s are obtained by breaking down an observed volume
scattering function into its contributing components. The component scattering functions are calculated
using Mie theory. The component functions include all size distributions and indices of refraction that can
be expected to be present. The method was applied to a volume scattering function observed in the
Sargasso Sea. Forty components were used with five different indices of refraction and eight different particle
size distributions. The resultant index of refraction distribution was bimodal. Components with indices
of 1.05 and 1.15 dominate the calculated volume scattering function. The calculated particle size distribution
falls within experimentally determined limits for the size distribution.
