Numerical simulations of light scattering by red blood cells.

Scattering of electromagnetic waves from a red blood cell is simulated using the finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD), the Rytov approximation and the discrete dipole approximation (DDA). Both FDTD and DDA are full wave methods that give accurate results in a wide range of wavelengths. The Rytov approximation is a much simpler method that is limited to scattering angles within 30 degrees from the forward direction. The investigation comprehends different wavelengths and different orientations of the cell. It shows that the shape, volume, and orientation of the cell have a large influence on the forward scattering.