Understanding Spectral Scattering of Nanomaterials

[erogard]

Hi,

I was wondering if someone could explain, in their own (simple) words, what the scattering spectrum of a nanomaterial is. For example, suppose we have a chain of several spherical nanoparticle. How would you interpret this graph:

http://ajpheart.physiology.org/content/293/6/H3379/F9.small.gif

I know that in a typical experiment, one shines a laser of a given wavelength, and observes the optical response. But what is this response precisely in this case? How does it relate to scattering?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[azntoon]

The scattering spectrum of a nanomaterial is a graph that shows how much light is scattered by the nanomaterial at different wavelengths. The graph in the link is showing the scattering spectrum of a chain of several spherical nanoparticles. It indicates that the amount of light scattered increases as the wavelength of the incident light decreases. This means that for shorter wavelengths, more light is scattered by the nanoparticles than for longer wavelengths. This can be used to study the size and shape of the individual particles in the chain, as well as the interactions between them.