Light scattering from cylindrical particles has been described with ge
ometric optics. The feasibility of determining the particle diameter w
ith a planar phase Doppler anemometer has been examined by simulations
and experiments. In particular, the influence of particle orientation
on measurability and measurement accuracy has been investigated. Some
recommendations for realizing a practical-measurement instrument have
been presented. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America