[PP1-4-7] Concepts of Optical path and Optical thickness.

The Atmosphere-Earth system that monochromatic beam (Iλ) of radiation travels, is called optical path. It expressed by optical path length, namely the product of geometric length and the refractive index of medium. It determines the optical thickness, namely a measure of the cumulative depletion of Iλ directed in straight-downward.

External resources

• Wallace, J. M., & Hobbs, P. V. (2006). Atmospheric science: an introductory survey (Vol. 92). Elsevier.

Learning outcomes

• 1459 - Illustrate of the concept of optical path

  Illustrate of the concept of optical path

• 1460 - Illustrate of the concept of optical thickness

  Illustrate of the concept of optical thickness

Self assessment

Outgoing relations

• [PP1-4-7] Concepts of Optical path and Optical thickness. subclassof [PP1-4] Fundamentals of Radiative Transfer

Contributors

• Andreas Kazantzidis
  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andreas_Kazantzidis
• Valerio Tramutoli
  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3875-7909