Multiple-scattering model for the effective refractive index of dense suspensions of forward-scattering particles.

We present a multiple-scattering model for the effective refractive index of an arbitrarily dense suspension of forward-scattering particles. The model provides a very simple formula for the effective refractive index of such a suspension and reproduces with high accuracy available experimental results. Furthermore, the derivation we present herein is mathematically transparent and enables us to obtain information on the underlying physical processes rather than obscuring them.

Analysis of wavelength-scale 1D depth-dependent refractive-index gradients at an interface by their effects on the internal reflectance near the critical angle.

Light's internal reflectivity near a critical angle is very sensitive to the angle of incidence and the optical properties of the external medium near the interface. Novel applications in biology and medicine of subcritical internal reflection are being pursued. In many practical situations, the refractive index of the external medium may vary with respect to its bulk value due to different physical phenomena at surfaces.

Unambiguous derivation of the effective refractive index of biological suspensions and an extension to dense tissue such as blood.

The van de Hulst formula provides an expression for the effective refractive index or effective propagation constant of a suspension of particles of arbitrary shape, size, and refractive index in an optically homogeneous medium. However, its validity for biological matter, which often consists of very dense suspensions of cells, is unclear because existing derivations of the formula or similar results rely on far-field scattering and/or on the suspension in question being dilute. We present a derivation of the van de Hulst formula valid for suspensions of large, tenuous scatterers-the type biological suspensions are typically made of-that does not rely on these conditions, showing that they are not strictly necessary for the formula to be valid.

Quantitative Label-Free Imaging of Lipid Domains in Single Bilayers by Hyperspectral Coherent Raman Scattering.

Lipid phase separation in cellular membranes is thought to play an important role in many biological functions. This has prompted the development of synthetic membranes to study lipid-lipid interactions , alongside optical microscopy techniques aimed at directly visualizing phase partitioning. In this context, there is a need to overcome the limitations of fluorescence microscopy, where added fluorophores can significantly perturb lipid packing.