Polarized Light in Animal Vision: Polarization Patterns in Nature - Couverture rigide

Horvath, Gabor; Varju, Dezso

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 3540404570 ISBN 13 : 9783540404576

Editeur : Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K, 2003

Synopsis

The subject of this volume is two-fold. First, it gathers typical polarization patterns occurring in nature. Second, it surveys the polarization-sensitive ani- mals, the physiological mechanisms and biological functions of polarization sensitivity as weIl as the polarization-guided behaviour in animals. The monograph is prepared for biologists, physicists and meteorologists, espe- cially for experts of atmospheric optics and animal vision, who wish to under- stand and reveal the message hidden in polarization patterns of the optical environment not directly accessible to the human visual system, but measur- able by polarimetry and perceived by many animals. Our volume is an attempt to build a bridge between these two physical and biological flelds. In Part I we introduce the reader to the elements of imaging polarimetry. This technique can be efflciently used, e. g. in atmospheric optics, remote sens- ing and biology. In Part 11 we deal with typical polarization patterns of the natural optical environment. Sunrise/sunset, clear skies, cloudy skies, moonshine and total solar eclipses all mean quite different illumination conditions, wh ich also affect the spatial distribution and strength of celestial polarization. We pre- sent the polarization patterns of the sky and its unpolarized (neutral) points under sunlit, moonlit, clear, cloudy and eclipsed conditions as a function of solar elevation. The polarization pattern of a rainbow is also shown. That part of the spectrum is derived in which perception of skylight polarization is optimal under partly cloudy skies.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
• Date d'édition: 2003
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 3540404570
• ISBN 13: 9783540404576
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 448
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible