Time-resolved experiments on light diffusion in anisotropic random media

Multiple light scattering in isotropic and anisotropic media is studied exp erimentally with an optical gating technique, as commonly used in fluoresce nce spectroscopy. The experimental setup permits an accurate analysis of th e propagation of a short light pulse through disordered or partially ordere d media. The diffusion constant of some isotropic systems is reported, and the anisotropy in the diffusion constant for light diffusion through liquid crystals is observed. For the time-resolved data, good agreement with diff usion theory is found in all cases, including the liquid crystal in the nem atic phase.