Non-Gaussian light scattering experiments

Data acquired in light scattering experiments to investigate non-Gaussian fluctuations are given. Dynamic scattering in liquid crystals, laboratory generated thermal plumes, mixing layers, rippled liquid surfaces, and specially prepared solid diffusers were studied. At a qualitative level, the visual appearance of a scattered intensity pattern can be used to distinguish between smoothly varying and fractal scatterers. Solutions of Maxwell's equations for the appropriate model can then in principle be used to make quantitative comparisons with experimental data and obtain estimates of significant parameters characterizing the scatterer. In practice, anomalies remain, for example the observed strong geometrical optics features generated when waves are scattered by turbulent media which are usually considered to be describable in terms of the (fractal) Kolmogorov spectrum.