Two-dimensional Angular Optical Scattering Research Articles

Characterizing the size and absorption of single nonspherical aerosol particles from angularly-resolved elastic light scattering

Measuring the absorption of a single aerosol particle is a challenging endeavor. Of the few techniques available, none are suitable for measuring the single-particle absorption of coarse-mode nonspherical aerosols. Analysis of two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns provide a possible pathway to perform this measurement. Using a Multiple-Sphere T-Matrix (MSTM) code, we simulate the captured TAOS patterns with geometries similar to a previously designed instrument. By analyzing the size of the speckle and the integrated irradiance of these simulated TAOS patterns, we are able to distinguish between high-absorbing, weak-absorbing, and non-absorbing particles over the size range of 2 µm to 10 µm. In particular, the speckle present in the scattering patterns provides a means to estimate the size of the particle. Once the size of the particle is known, the integrated irradiance provides insight into the absorption of the particle.

Simultaneous two-color, two-dimensional angular optical scattering patterns from airborne particulates: Scattering results and exploratory analysis

Light scattering from non-spherical particles and aggregates exhibits complex structure that is revealed only when observed in two angular dimensions (θ, ϕ). However, due to variations in shape, packing, and orientation of such aerosols, the structure of two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns varies among particles. The spectral dependence of scattering contributes further to the observed complexity, but offers another facet to consider. By leveraging multispectral TAOS data from flowing aerosols, we have identified novel morphological descriptors that may be employed in multivariate statistical algorithms for “unknown” particle classification.

Measurement and autocorrelation analysis of two‐dimensional light‐scattering patterns from living cells for label‐free classification

We incorporate optics and an ICCD to record the two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns retrieved from single aerosolized cells. We analyze these patterns by performing autocorrelations and demonstrate that we are able to retrieve cell size from the locations of the secondary maxima. Additional morphological information is contained in the autocorrelation functions and decay rate of the heights of the autocorrelation peaks. We demonstrate these techniques with C6 and Y79 cells, which are readily distinguishable. One key advantage of this methodology is that there is no requirement for antibody and fluorescent labeling molecules.

Observations and calculations of two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns of a single levitated cluster of two and four microspheres

We use single bi-sphere particles levitated in an electrodynamic balance to record two-dimensional angular scattering patterns at different angles of the coordinate system of the aggregate relative to the incident laser beam. Due to Brownian motion the particle covers the whole set of possible angles with time and allows to select patterns with high symmetry for analysis. These are qualitatively compared to numerical calculations. A small cluster of four spheres shows complex scattering patterns, comparison with computations suggest a low compactness for these clusters. An experimental procedure is proposed for studying restructuring effects occurring in mixed particles upon evaporation.

Simultaneous forward- and backward-hemisphere elastic-light-scattering patterns of respirable-size aerosols

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns of aerosols are measured simultaneously from the forward hemisphere 15 degrees < theta < 90 degrees as well as the backward hemisphere 90 degrees < theta < 165 degrees (detecting 63% of the 4pi sr of scattered light) by using an ellipsoidal reflector and an intensified CCD detector. TAOS patterns were obtained from polystyrene-latex spheres (individuals and aggregates) and from single Bacillus subtilis spores. These information-rich patterns, measured with a single laser pulse for individual particles on the fly, suggest that forward-TAOS and backward-TAOS measurements may be used for rapid classification of single aerosol particles.

Optical scattering by biological aerosols: experimental and computational results on spore simulants

We present both a computational and an experimental approach to the problem of biological aerosol characterization, joining the expertises reached in the field of theoretical optical scattering by complex, arbitrary shaped particles (multipole expansion of the electromagnetic fields and Transition Matrix), and a novel experimental technique based on two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS). The good agreement between experimental and computational results, together with the possibility for a laboratory single-particle angle-resolved investigation, opens a new scenario in biological particle modelling, and might have major implications for a rapid discrimination of airborne particles.

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering patterns of microdroplets in the mid infrared with strong and weak absorption.

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns of droplets composed of a mixture of H2O and D2O are detected in the mid infrared. First, a lens is used in the Abbé sine condition to collect a small solid angle of light, where the scattering pattern matches well numerical simulations based on Mie theory. Next, TAOS patterns from droplets spanning a large (approximately 27pi sr) solid angle are captured simultaneously at two wavelengths. The effects of absorption are evident in the patterns and are discernible without the need for curve matching by Mie theory.

Classification of single-particle two-dimensional angular optical scattering patterns and heuristic scatterer reconstruction

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) is an experimental technique by which the azimuth- and polar-angle-dependent intensity patterns of monochromatic light scattered by isolated material particles are collected within a limited aperture. TAOS patterns are analyzed with the ultimate goal of estimating the class of shapes and the set of complex refractive indices to which the scatterer may belong. The implemented heuristic reconstruction procedure integrates experimental techniques and methods of data analysis. It consists of three stages: (1) TAOS patterns are classified by cluster analysis and classification is validated by principal components analysis, (2) prior information about the shape and refractive index of the particles is acquired from analytical electron microscopy and drives the computation of TAOS patterns by a T-matrix code, and (3) cluster analysis is repeated by including one computed pattern at a time and ranking it according to distance to a cluster. As a result, some simulated scatterers are found, the computed patterns of which merge with clusters of experimental patterns. Whereas the reconstruction of each individual scatterer from the available TAOS pattern would not have been feasible, possible scatterer classes are identified. The investigated material is tire dust from laboratory abrasion tests of aerodynamic size <10 μm.

Observations and calculations of light scattering from clusters of spheres

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns from clusters of polystyrene latex spheres are measured in the near-forward and near-backward directions. In both cases, the scattering pattern contains a rich and complicated structure that is the result of the interaction and interference of light among the primary particles. Calculations are made for aggregates that are similar to those generated experimentally and also demonstrate the rich structure in the scattering pattern. A comparison of the experimental and theoretical TAOS patterns gives good qualitative agreement.

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering patterns as droplets evolve into clusters

Remarkable changes in the two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) pattern are observed when an acoustically levitated water droplet with inclusions evolves into a dry aggregate. The emergence of polystyrene latex sphere inclusions near the droplet surface has a clear effect on the TAOS. A speckle pattern in the TAOS replaces the continuous contours associated with Mie scattering from a smooth droplet. Once the contours break up, this speckle pattern persists as the levitated droplet evaporates, making the transition from a droplet with inclusions to a dried aggregate. The initial emergence of the speckle pattern is observed for an inclusion volume fraction near 8%.

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering for the characterization of airborne microparticles

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) is recorded for several particle shapes and configurations. A lens is used to collect a large solid angle of the light and transform the angular profile into a planar distribution according to the Abbé sine condition. Qualitative agreement is found between experiment and theory for the TAOS from spheroids having the same aspect ratio but different sizes. A distinctive irregular island structure is observed in the TAOS from clusters of Bacillus subtilis spores and polystyrene latex spheres. The density per solid angle of these islands is found to increase with cluster diameter.