Open AccessScattering signatures of suspended particles: an integrated system for combining digital holography and laser diffraction
Author(s) -
Emlyn John Davies,
W. Alex M. NimmoSmith,
Y. C. Agrawal,
Alejandro J. Souza
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.025488
Subject(s) - diffraction , optics , holography , digital holography , laser , mie scattering , scattering , fresnel diffraction , materials science , light scattering , ptychography , particle (ecology) , physics , geology , oceanography
The use of laser diffraction is now common practice for the determination of an in situ particle size distribution in the marine environment. However, various imaging techniques have shown that particles vary greatly in shape, leading to uncertainty in the response of laser diffraction instruments when subjected to this diverse range of complex particles. Here we present a novel integrated system which combines both digital in-line holography and a LISST-100 type C, to simultaneously record in-focus images of artificial and natural particles with their small-angle forward scattering signature. The system will allow for further development of a reliable alternative to Mie Theory when using laser diffraction for the in situ measurement of complex suspended particles. A more detailed knowledge of the performance of laser diffraction when subjected to the wide variety of complex particles found in the marine environment will then be possible.