Forward light scattering for arbitrary sharp-edged convex crystals in Fraunhofer and anomalous diffraction approximations

Fraunhofer diffraction is a well-known physical model for describing forward light scattering from opaque particles much larger than the wavelength of the light. Analytical expressions exist for diffraction from circular- or rectangular-shaped apertures. An expression is derived for diffraction by apertures of a general polygonal shape. From this expression the exact solution for anomalous diffraction by arbitrary convex crystals is calculated. These expressions are useful in characterizing crystal size and shape, by laser diffraction instruments, when measured in a solution.