Backscattering cross section

Backscattering cross section is a property of an object that determines what proportion of incident wave energy is scattered from the object, back in the direction of the incident wave.

Definition

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Physics

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In physics generally, it is defined as the area which intercepts an amount of power in the incident beam which, if radiated isotropically, would yield a reflected signal strength at the transmitter of the same magnitude as the actual object produces.[1]

Underwater acoustics

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In fisheries acoustics, the same term is used to mean the same area but divided by 4π.[2][3] In other areas of underwater acoustics, the general physics definition is used.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Stout, G. E., & Mueller, E. A. (1968). Survey of relationships between rainfall rate and radar reflectivity in the measurement of precipitation. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 7(3), 465-474.
  2. ^ Clay, C. S., Medwin, H., & Urick, R. J. (1978). Acoustical oceanography: principles and applications.
  3. ^ MacLennan, D. N., Fernandes, P. G., & Dalen, J. (2002). A consistent approach to definitions and symbols in fisheries acoustics. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 59(2), 365-369.
  4. ^ Ainslie, M. A., Halvorsen, M. B., & Robinson, S. P. (2021). A terminology standard for underwater acoustics and the benefits of international standardization. IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, 47(1), 179-200.