A precise method to determine the angular distribution of backscattered light to high angles

We present an approach to measure the angular dependence of the diffusely scattered intensity of a multiple scattering sample in backscattering geometry. Increasing scattering strength give rise to an increased width of the coherent backscattering and sets higher demands on the angular detection range. This is of particular interest in the search for the transition to Anderson localization of light. To cover a range of -60° to +85° from direct back-reflection, we introduced a new parallel intensity recording technique. This allows one-shot measurements, with fast alignment and short measuring time, which prevents the influence of illumination variations. Configurational average is achieved by rotating the sample and singly scattered light is suppressed with the use of circularly polarized light up to 97%. This implies that backscattering enhancements of almost two can be achieved. In combination with a standard setup for measuring small angles up to plusmn;3°, a full characterization of the coherent backscattering cone can be achieved. With this setup we are able to accurately determine transport mean free paths as low as 235 nm. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.