FORWARD SCATTER

The deflection --by diffraction , nonhomogeneous refraction , or nonspecular reflection by particulate matter of dimensions that are large with respect to the wavelength in question but small with respect to the beam diameter --of a portion of an incident electromagnetic wave , in such a manner that the energy so deflected propagates in a direction that is within 90° of the direction of propagation of the incident wave. Note: The scattering process may be polarization -sensitive, i.e. , incident waves that are identical in every respect but their polarization may be scattered differently.