Retrieval of particle size distribution in the dependent model using the moment method

The problem of determining particle size distribution using the moment method in the spectral extinction technique is studied. The feasibility and reliability of the retrieval of spherical particle size distribution using the moment method are investigated. The single spherical particle extinction efficiency, which is derived theoretically using the Mie's solution to Maxwell's equation, is approximated with a higher order polynomial in order to apply the moment method. Simulation and experimental results indicate that a fairly reasonable representation of the particle size distribution can be obtained using the moment method in the dependent model algorithm. The method has advantages of simplicity, rapidity, and suitability for in-line particle size measurement. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America.