Light scattering from cells: finite-difference time-domain simulations andgoniometric measurements

We have examined the Light-scattering properties of inhomogeneous biologica l cells through a combination of theoretical simulations and goniometric me asurements. A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique was used to co mpute intensity as a function of scattering angle for cells containing mult iple organelles and spatially varying index of refraction profiles. An auto mated goniometer was constructed to measure the scattering properties of di lute cell suspensions. Measurements compared favorably with FDTD prediction s. FDTD and experimental results indicate that scattering properties are st rongly influenced by cellular biochemical and morphological structure. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.