Abstract

We present theoretical and experimental results using matched filters to sort between two classes of spherical particles. In particular, matched filters are used to distinguish between dielectric and metal spheres. Three separate light scattering regions are compared to identify the best scattering angles; these include the forward, the near forward, and the backscatter regions. Scattering theory is used to calculate the correlation and cross-correlation peaks for the pertinent cases in the output plane of the matched filter. An interesting finding that has not appeared in the literature is that the forward scattering region is an ineffective area in which to use a matched filter for distinguishing between these particles. Of the three scattering regions, the backscatter is shown to be the most effective.

© 1991 Optical Society of America