LINEAR AND NONLINEAR LIGHT SCATTERING IN COLLOIDAL MEDIA

A theory of the nonlinear light scattering effects producible in colloidal systems by strong laser light is proposed. Two effects are considered: (i) nonlinear scattering due to orientation of colloid particles in the optical field, and (ii) multiharmonic scattering due to nonlinear optical deformation of the particles. Investigation of (i) provides information on the sign and value of the particle's linear optical anisotropy, whereas (ii) shows its nonlinear optical properties and symmetry elements. Since present laser techniques are adequate for revealing higher-order scattering effects, we have here a new method of gaining vaster knowledge of the shape and size of particles than by studying linear light scattering only. © 1968.