Abstract: Optically disordered systems where the number of scatterers per cubic wave length exceeds unity typically exhibit mean- free-path lengths for photon transport longer than those predicted by the cross section given by Mie theory in the independent-scatterer approximation. The effects of spatial correlation among scatterers on photon transport are investigated in dense colloidal latex suspensions. Transport mean-free-path lengths obtained from time-resolved transmission of picosecond laser pulses, from suspensions successively diluted over two decades of scatterer density, are compared to conventional extinction lengths. Correlations introduced into the Mie formalism via a static structure factor based on a hard-core radial distribution function show good agreement with the experimental results.

Rct Date:(Received 24 April 1990)
PACS:Type: E-T-Experimental-Theoretical. Format L-Letter. Year: 90. Class nos. 78.90.&t; 42.20.-y; 71.55.Jv
Country:US-United States
CPM no.: Microfilm no(s): 9008F1146 Abstract no(s): 3.06277
Keywords:Number: 09. PHOTON TRANSPORT :Q1; SCATTERING; OPTICAL PROPERTIES; MEAN FREE PATH; CROSS SECTIONS; CORRELATION FUNCTIONS; SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION; RANDOMNESS; DISORDERED SYSTEMS :T1