Full-field measurements of particle size distributions: I theoretical limitations of the polarization ratio method

Detailed theoretical and experimental studies of the polarization ratio technique have been completed to ascertain its sensitivity and accuracy with regard to sizing of discrete particle distributions. A novel broadband technique was developed for sizing individual particles (particles with diameters exceeding 10 µm) as well as local averages in two-phase flows of moderate number densities (10(3)-10(4)/cm(3)). The technique uses an imaging configuration such that all particles in a plane can be simultaneously sized. This paper reviews the theory and presents several calculations that demonstrate the sensitivity and accuracy of the technique as a function of particle size, refractive index, local number density, and local size distribution. Part II will compare experimental results of the broadband polarization ratio technique with those of a technique based on scattered intensities.