On the measurement of Rayleigh scattering by gases at 6328A

The problem of laboratory measurements of Rayleigh scattering and depolarization ratio for atoms and molecules in the gaseous state is described. It is shown that, if the scattered radiation measurements are made at two angles, the normal depolarization ratio cannot be determined meaningfully. However, from scattering measurements, the Rayleigh scattering cross sections can be determined accurately. The measurements of Raleigh scattering from He, H2, Ar, O2, and N2 for unpolarized radiation at 6328A are reported and compared with similar measurements at 6943 and 1215.7A.