| Abstract: | We investigate the shape dependence of the scattering by dielectric and metallic particles on surfaces by considering particles whose free-space scattering properties are nearly identical. The scattering by metallic particles is strongly dependent on the shape of the particle in the region near where the particle touches the surface. The scattering by dielectric particles displays a weaker, but nonetheless significant, dependence on particle shape. These results have a significant effect on the use of light scattering to size and identify particles on surfaces. |
