Feasibility of field-based light scattering spectroscopy

Light scattering spectroscopy (LSS) is a new technique capable of accuratel y measuring the features of nuclei and other cellular organelles in situ. W e present the considerations required to implement and interpret field-base d detection in LSS, where the scattered electric field is detected interfer ometrically, and demonstrate that the technique is experimentally feasible, A theoretical formalism for modeling field-based LSS signals based on Mie scattering is presented. Phase-front uniformity is shown to play an importa nt and novel role. Results of heterodyne experiments with polystyrene micro spheres that localize LSS signals to a region about 30 mu m in axial extent are reported. In addition, differences between field-based LSS and the ear lier intensity-based LSS are discussed. (C) 2000 Society of Photo-Optical I nstrumentation Engineers. [S1083-3668(00)00902-3].