Size-shape determination of nonspherical particles in suspension by means of full and depolarized static light scattering.

Full and depolarized static light-scattering (LS) experiments have been carried out to characterize the size and shape of colloidal suspensions. Results have been compared with theoretical predictions following the extended-boundary-condition method (T-matrix) formalism for scattering by nonspherical particles. Theory-to-experiment data fitting has yielded size-shape data that compare well with electron-microscopy determinations. Depolarized light-scattering has been found to be an especially useful tool to use to find the correct geometrical parameters of the suspended particles. Size (though not shape) is also correctly fitted through full LS experiments.