| Abstract: | Previously, the angular positions of the extrema of the polarization ratio have been utilized in light-scattering studies as a method of particle-size analysis under the assumption of monodisperse, spherical particles. Since the consequences of the existing finite polydispersity on this method of analysis was not assessed, the results are questionable. This work is concerned with (1) reporting the quantitative effects of a finite polydispersity on the method of analysis, (2) pointing out previous misuse of the method, and (3) revising the method of analysis to include polydispersity and the exact Mie calculations. The method will then permit the characterization of a scattering system in terms of a modal diameter and a distribution-width parameter by utilizing prepared diagrams for a particular relative refractive index. |
