Shape classification of single aerosol particle using near-forward optical scattering patterns calculation

Abstract

Particle shapes can be distinguished by the properties of near-forward optical scattering patterns of particles. The discrete dipole approximation method is used to calculate the light scattering patterns of Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis, Burkholderia pseudomallei based on their prolate spheroid models. Shape dependence of forward angle-resolved light scattering intensity for nonspherical biological aerosol particles is discussed by simulating their light scattering response of three detectors located in different azimuthal range. Combined with sphericity index method, forward small angle (5°–20°) angle-resolved light scattering intensity has the ability to identify the elongated particles and non-elongated particles under certain orientation conditions. This study can help not only design particle morphology measurement instrument but also detect harmful biological aerosol rapidly.