Three-dimensional cross correlation technique: influence of multiply scattered light in the Rayleigh–Gans regime

The correct interpretation of light scattering data requires knowledge of the extent to which multiple scattering contributes to the measured signal. Generally, this information cannot easily be obtained in conventional light scattering experiments. We demonstrate the difficulties which arise with this problem by experiments with scatterers where the differential scattering cross section does not exhibit scattering minima. We investigate the influence of multiple scattering by performing combined static and dynamic light scattering experiments using the 3D cross correlation technique. We discuss that, despite the increase of the intensity ratio of multiply to singly scattered light with increasing scattering angle, the dynamic properties are more strongly affected for small scattering angles.