https://doi.org/10.1140/epjh/e2019-100022-y
On Ludvig Lorenz and his 1890 treatise on light scattering by spheres
1
Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Richard Petersens Plads,
Building 321,
2800
Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
2
Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen,
Blegdamsvej 17,
2100
Copenhagen, Denmark
a e-mail: helge.kragh@nbi.ku.dk
Received:
1
May
2019
Received in final form:
13
June
2019
Published online: 30 July 2019
This paper offers background and perspective on a little-known memoir by Ludvig Lorenz on light scattering by spheres, which was published in Danish in 1890. It is a companion to an English translation of the memoir appearing separately. Apart from introducing Lorenz and some of his contributions to optics and electrodynamics, the paper focuses on the emergence, content and reception of the 1890 memoir and its role in what is often called the Lorenz-Mie theory. In addition to the historical analysis, the paper illuminates aspects of modern Lorenz-Mie theory and its many applications, with an eye to Lorenz’s original work.
© EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature, 2019
