The Rayleigh scattering cross-sections of He, C, N and O

Abstract

The Rayleigh scattering cross-sections of He, C, N and 0 have been computed by quantum defect method. Fairly good agreement has been obtained between the results of dipole length and dipole velocity formalisms. The wavelength independent part of the polarizabilities obtained in the calculation have been compared with the static polarizabilities given by others. At large wavelengths, the Rayleigh scattering cross-sections of He, C, N and 0 relative to H, have been found to be approximately in the ratio of 0.1 : 7.9 : 4.I : 1.4. The effect of wavelength dependent polarizabilities on Rayleigh scattering cross-sections has also been investigated. The importance of Rayleigh scattering vis-a-vis pure absorption has been discussed.