Analysis of laser beam scattering by an ensemble of particles modeling red blood cells in ektacytometer

Using a simple theoretical model we have obtained approximate relations between the characteristics of particles modeling red blood cells and the parameters of the diffraction pattern produced by a laser beam diffracted in the ektacytometer. Laser beam diffraction by an ensemble of transparent elliptical discs with different shapes is considered. We have shown a feasibility of measuring certain parameters of the particles distribution in shapes by using the laser ektacytometry technique.

► We consider laser beam diffraction by an ensemble of transparent elliptical discs. ► We justify modeling the shear-deformed erythrocytes by transparent elliptical discs. ► We analyze intensity distributions in the diffraction patterns of a laser ektacytometer. ► We show that the patterns are sensitive to shape distributions of the particles. ► Theoretical and experimental results agree well in case of bimodal distribution.