The effect of medium refractive index on microparticle characterization by optical scattering

Abstract

Considering microplastic pollution and the rapid accumulation of pollutants in the environment, it is necessary to have detailed information about the particles to describe their origin and take precautions. However, taking clear measurements and analyzing them can be challenging regarding the environment. In this study, input parameters of optical scattering, particle size and material, excitation laser, and refractive index of the medium and their effects are investigated. The effect of the medium is presented as Mie resonances for red, green, and blue lights. Machine learning results show that angle differences can be used for particle characterization in different environments.