Isotropic target

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006731",
  "term": "Isotropic target",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "An idealized object in radar meteorology that scatters incident electromagnetic radiation equally in all directions, regardless of the object's orientation or the radar wave's polarization. This concept serves as a theoretical reference for calibrating radar systems and for interpreting the scattering properties of real, anisotropic targets like raindrops or ice crystals. The radar cross-section of an isotropic target is a single scalar value, whereas anisotropic targets require a more complex scattering matrix to describe their backscatter properties.",
  "see_also": [
    "phase function"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/isotropic-target/"
}