Size distributions out of static light scattering: Inclusion of distortions from the experimental setup, e.g., a SOFICA-type goniometer

In this paper the estimation of sphere size distributions of polymer latex with static Light scattering is investigated. For the calculation of the sc attering data a model is proposed which describes a SOFICA-type goniometer that was used for the light scattering experiments. From the comparison of this model with a model that is based on Mie's Theory only, conclusions abo ut the reliability of the estimation of size distributions from uni- and bi modal colloidal suspensions with static light scattering could be drawn. Fu rthermore, the contribution of multiple scattering was investigated, and a method is suggested which further improves the obtained results. Both simul ated and experimental data were examined. For data analysis, a method based on Tikhonov regularization,was used. (C) 1999 Academic Press.