Theory of dynamic light scattering from large anisotropic particles

Abstract

The scatteredelectric field amplitude autocorrelation function of a dilute solution of large rigid anisotropic particles is computed in the Rayleigh–Debye approximation. The autocorrelation function for cylindrically symmetric particles is an infinite series of decaying exponentials with time constants τ−1 l =q 2 D +l (l+1) Θ⊥ containing both translational and rotational diffusion coefficients. The dynamical terms are weighted by particle form factors and also by experimental geometry factors which are given in coordinate independent form. Explicit formulas for the form factors of spheres, rods, and thin disks are given. The general formulas reduce to the correct expressions for similar optically isotropic scattering systems.