Light scattering by an erythrocyte based on discrete sources method: Shape and refractive index influence

An efficient method for the fast detection of properties of a single erythrocyte from its scattering characteristics is needed in practice. To develop such a method a detailed investigation of the light scattering properties of the erythrocyte and their dependence on its shape and refractive index is of great interest. In this paper the influence of the real erythrocyte's shape with deep concavities and refractive index on the scattering characteristics is analyzed based on an updated scheme of the discrete sources method. Realistic shape models of an erythrocyte, calculated from minima of membrane potential energy are considered. The numerical scheme of discrete sources method has been adjusted for shape profiles given numerically. An improved algorithm allows increasing of an accuracy of calculations.