Polydisperse Mie theory applied to hollow latex spheres: An integrated light-scattering study

Abstract

Integrated light-scattering spectroscopy provides a method of determining the size, coat thickness, and lumen refractive index of a variety of coated-sphere systems. Integrated light-scattering spectroscopy performed on hollow-latex-sphere suspensions also provides a basis for validating theoretical models, such as Rayleigh–Gans–Debye or Mie, of coated-sphere systems such as vesicles and micelles. The rigidity and stability of hollow latex spheres makes them an excellent candidate for the simulation of a "perfect" coated-sphere system and allows one to determine the effects of other nonstructural factors such as polydispersity. The computer controlled spectrometer collects data in the form of I(Q) vs. Q where I(Q) is the intensity of the scattered light. Mie theory, which provides an exact solution for the absorption and scattering of a sphere of arbitrary radius and refractive index, is used to fit the experimental data. The results are compared with data obtained from dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy.