Phase differential scattering from microspheres

Abstract

Differential phase measurements on scattered light are possible using the two-frequency Zeeman effect laser. We refer to such measurements as phase differential scattering (PDS) in contrast to conventional intensity differential scattering measurements. PDS has certain significant experimental advantages for light scattering studies, most notably its simplicity. We find good agreement between experiment and theory for PDS from aqueous suspensions of polystyrene microspheres. The data show a strong dependence on concentration when the microspheres are larger than dipoles.