Imaginary Refractive Index Spectrum of Hematite: A Novel Determination Using a Nano-Particle Colloid

The scattering and absorption of electromagnetic waves by non-homogeneous particles are important factors in atmospheric radiative forcing. Hematite (α-Fe2O3) is the dominant light absorbing mineral in Earth’s atmosphere. The optical properties of hematite are categorized to gain a better the understanding of the effect these aerosols have on radiative forcing and climate change. The quantitative measurement of aerosol light absorption is calculated for a single particle using Lorentz Mie theory to quantify the imaginary refractive index spectrum of hematite. The single scattering albedo (SSA) is one of the more important optical properties for calculating an aerosols impact on radiative forcing. SSA has been calculated using scattering and absorption coefficients that have been quantified through forward function Mie calculations of homogeneous particles to calculate the imaginary refractive index spectrum. Hematite is the primary absorption mineral in the atmosphere and these results categorize its effect on complex atmospheric dynamics and the Earth’s radiative budget.