Refractive Index Determination of Biological Particles

摘要

Refractive indices of biological particles have been determined using a new quantitative method based upon phase contrast immersion spectrometry. The new technique is sensitive, accurate, and requires only an optical transmission spectrophotometer and index matching fluids. The method was developed and tested using colloidal silica standard samples. Refractive indices for bacterial spores have been determined, and the results compared favorably with available data in the literature.