FVidal
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Rayleigh scattering formula on a colloidal system
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Tyndall effect looks to be a multiple scatter effect where light scattered from more than one point in the suspension. The Rayleigh formula is for single scattering.
I actually did a masters thesis on multiple scattering.
"Light-scattering measurements from dense optical systems" P. C. Colby, L. M. Narducci, V. Bluemel, and J. Baer. Phys Rev A Vol. 12, Num 1, Oct 1972 pages 1530-1538.
I actually did a masters thesis on multiple scattering.
"Light-scattering measurements from dense optical systems" P. C. Colby, L. M. Narducci, V. Bluemel, and J. Baer. Phys Rev A Vol. 12, Num 1, Oct 1972 pages 1530-1538.
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"Can I use" is a loaded question.
For example, are you interested in the geometry of the scattering, the wavelength dependence, or the forward transmittance or something else?
The Rayleigh approximation describes scattering from a single particle that is much smaller than the wavelength. It is applied whenever you can get away with it because it is relatively easy to use and understand. It will tell you why the sky is blue but not why the clouds are white! (This refers to a famous final exam question for classical electrodynamics)
So what is it you need to characterize? There are programs extant to calculate Mie Scattering but they are less inviting.
For example, are you interested in the geometry of the scattering, the wavelength dependence, or the forward transmittance or something else?
The Rayleigh approximation describes scattering from a single particle that is much smaller than the wavelength. It is applied whenever you can get away with it because it is relatively easy to use and understand. It will tell you why the sky is blue but not why the clouds are white! (This refers to a famous final exam question for classical electrodynamics)
So what is it you need to characterize? There are programs extant to calculate Mie Scattering but they are less inviting.