Backscattering Coefficient (b_b)

The backscattering, or backward scattering, coefficient, in units of m^-1.  It indicates the attenuation caused by scattering at angles from 90° to 180°.  b_b is commonly estimated from measurements of the VSF around a single fixed angle.  See Determining b_b with Fixed-Angle Sensors for details.

It is one of several coefficients derived from the Volume Scattering Function, each quantifying the total scattering within a particular range of angles.  The most commonly seen is b, the total scattering coefficient.  b_f is the forward-scattering equivalent of b_b, indicating scattering in the range of 0° to 90°.