Spectral Transmission and Scattering Properties of Red Blood Cells*

Abstract

Spectral curves of direct transmittance, diffuse transmittance, and scattering by partial layers of oriented red blood cells were measured. Also determined were the average optical parameters of a single cell and the cell concentration in the partial layers. The experiments are an extension and refinement of those of Lothian and Lewis on red blood cells and of Latimer on the green alga Chlorella. By assuming large-particle optics, equations were derived to predict the spectral curves in terms of cell and layer parameters. Experimental and theoretical curves are in reasonable agreement.