The scattering and absorption of light due to surface resonances on submicron oblate spheroidal particulates

The experimental part of this thesis consists of measuring the optical absorbance of a collection of silver oblate spheroidal particulates as a function of wavelength, polarization, and angle of incidence. The method of producing such a collection is described along with measuring a few of the important characteristics like particle size, separation, and density. The experimental data are then compared with theoretical absorbances calculated using scattering and absorption cross sections. The cross sections are derived using a dipole approximation.