Dependent scattering and radiative transfer in dense inhomogeneous media

Scattering phenomena in inhomogeneous media are strongly linked to the volumetric fraction and the composition of the particles. For high concentrations, dependent-scattering effects appear, giving rise to interactions which are different from those described by independent multiple scattering theory. A computer code has been created in order to calculate optical properties of dense inhomogeneous media. According to scatterer volumetric fraction, this code can take into account single, multiple or dependent scattering. For a polyethylene film with ZnO particles, the experimental results are compared to theoretical ones. In order to give a better understanding of the physical phenomena involved in dependent scattering, electromagnetic coupling effects between two nearby particles are studied. Computations are carried out for dielectric and metallic scatterers.