Scattering matrices and reflectance spectra of forsterite particles with different size distributions

We present measurements of the complete scattering matrix as a function of the scattering angle of three different samples of forsterite particles in random orientation at a wavelength of 632.8 nm. The three samples were prepared so that three different size distributions were obtained. The composition and reflection spectra of the three samples have been experimentally determined. The results indicate that the elements of the scattering matrix are affected in a different way by the size differences. Since light scattering by comets is probably caused by particles similar to our forsterite particles, the results potentially contain information on the size of the cometary particles.