Observations and calculations of light scattering from clusters of spheres

Two-dimensional angular optical scattering (TAOS) patterns from clusters of polystyrene latex spheres are measured in the near-forward and near-backwa rd directions. In both cases, the scattering pattern contains a rich and co mplicated structure that is the result of the interaction and interference of light among the primary particles. Calculations are made for aggregates that are similar to those generated experimentally and also demonstrate the rich structure in the scattering pattern. A comparison of the experimental and theoretical TAGS patterns gives good qualitative agreement. (C) 2000 O ptical Society of America OCIS codes: 290.5820, 290.4020, 290.5850, 290.421 0, 010.1110.