Evaluation of photon migration using a two speed model for characterization of packed powder beds and dense...

A two-speed photon diffusion equation is developed for light propagation in a powder bed of high volume fraction or dense particulate suspension, whereby the light speed is impacted by the refractive index difference between particles and the suspending medium. The equation is validated using Monte Carlo simulation of light propagation coupled with dynamic simulation of particle sedimentation for the non-uniform arrangement of powder particles. Frequency domain experiments at 650 nm for a 77-microm-diameter resin-powder and 50-microm-diameter lactose-powder beds as well as resin-water and lactose-ethanol suspensions confirm the scattering and absorption coefficients derived from the two-speed diffusion equation.