Size and Shape Prediction of Colloidal Metal Oxide MgBaFeO Particles from Light Scattering Measurements

The size and structure of colloidal metal oxide (MgBaFeO) particles are determined using an Elliptically Polarized Light Scattering (EPLS) technique. The approach is based on a hybrid experimental/theoretical study where the experimental data are compared against predictions obtained using a T-Matrix model that accounts for particle shape irregularities. A power-law distribution function with two parameters is employed to account for the particle size distribution. The refractive index of the particles in ethyl alcohol is calculated based on the Maxwell-Garnet formula. The experiments are conducted using a second-generation nephelometer. It is shown that the current EPLS measurements can effectively be used for identification of both the shape and the size of the colloids.