Midinfrared scattering and absorption in Ge powder close to the Anderson localization transition

Using a free electron laser we have performed midinfrared transmission and reflection measurements in strongly scattering Ge powder. We have studied t he wavelength dependence of the scattering properties and the optical absor ption. Results indicate that our samples are close (kl(s) similar or equal to 3) to the Anderson localization transition but still above it. This is i ri contrast to the recently reported strong localization of light (kl(s)<1) in a similar powder of lower refractive index particles (GaAs).