Unified Mie and fractal scattering by biological cells and subcellular structures

Angle-resolved light scattering spectroscopy of biological cells is investigated in the visible wavelength range. A unified Mie and fractal model is shown to provide an accurate global agreement with light scattering spectra from 1.1 degrees to 165 degrees scattering angles. It is found that light scattering in forward directions (<8 degrees) is dominated by Mie scattering by the bare cell and nucleus, whereas light scattering at large angles (>20 degrees) is determined by fractal scattering by subcellular structures. The findings are consistent with the results of experimental investigation of the contributions of different cellular components to light scattering by cells. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America.