Physical-optics approximation of near-critical-angle scattering by spheroidal bubbles

International audienceA first-order approximation is derived for the near-critical-angle scattering of a large spheroidal bubble illuminated by a plane wave propagating along the bubble axis of symmetry. The intensity of the far-field scattering pattern is expressed as a function of the relative refractive index and the two radii of curvature of the spheroidal bubble at the critical impact point. (C) 2012 Optical Society of Americ