Light scattering from isotropic polymeric solids

Abstract

A theory is presented for the scattering of light in an isotropic solid from thermally excited sound waves (Brillouin) and stationary random strains. This theory predicts the intensity, polarization, and spectral distribution of the scattered light as a function of the incident and scattered directions in the solid. From the prediction of the intensity for light polarized perpendicular to the scattering plane the ratio of the central component of the scattered intensity to the longitudinal Brillouin doublet intensity is obtained. Experimental results for PEMA are quoted which support the prediction of the theory for this ratio. The theory permits the separation of the scattered intensity, due to dust particles and similar inclusions, from the central component.