Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Open problems in the optics of crystals: the role of multiple scattering
1Dipartimento di Fisica del Politecnico di Torino and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica della Materia (INFM), C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Italy.
Abstract:
The thickness b of the transition boundary layer, always present in crystals and giving still unsolved problems for the boundary conditions, is shown to be essentially determined by the multiple scattering of light, due to the inhomogeneity of any periodic structure. The parameter b depends on the orientation theta of the boundary plane with respect to the crystal lattice, and diverges for some critical orientations where strong macroscopic effects are found, which cannot be interpreted by any macroscopic model based on bulk and boundary equations. Our analysis exhaustively defines the limits of validity of macroscopic models for periodic nanoscale structures and solid crystals.
Related Concept Videos
X-ray Crystallography
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
Determination of Crystal Structures
Interference and Diffraction
Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Point, Line and Plane Defects
Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Stoichiometric Point Defects
Symmetry Elements in a Crystal

