Optical diffusion and polarization characteristics of ice accreting in dynamic conditions using a backscattering fibre optic technique

This paper reports on an investigation of the optical characteristics of ice grown on a thin aerofoil in an icing wind tunnel. The investigation was conducted using an optical technique to measure the scattered and reflected light from the ice surface and volume. By measuring the intensity and polarization properties of the backscattered, reflected and transmitted light, we demonstrate that it is possible to obtain information on the onset of icing conditions and to determine the thickness and type of ice accreted on the wing in real time. This work is instrumental in the design and development of optical direct ice detection sensors for aerospace applications.