Patent ID: 6704105
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for maximizing scattering of electromagnetic waves incident upon a material that contains particles suspended in a medium, comprising the steps of:determining the wavelength or range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic waves; obtaining refractive indices of potential particles and mediums; computing refractive index ratios of particles to mediums for combinations of particles and mediums; dividing a complex plane covering the refractive index ratios into a grid; calculating Mie theory curves of scattering extinction versus particle size for each refractive index ratio on the grid; finding the maximum value of scattering extinction divided by particle size for each grid point; constructing a contour plot of the maximum values over the grid to produce a three dimensional map; and, plotting complex refractive index ratios, as a point for a single wavelength or as a curve for a wavelength range, on the map, wherein combinations of particles and medium that provide maximum scattering are found within the highest contours of the map, wherein backscattering of the electromagnetic waves is maximized.