Optical scattering deals with the scattering

Scattering

Scattering is a general physical process where some forms of radiation, such as light, sound, or moving particles, are forced to deviate from a straight trajectory by one or more localized non-uniformities in the medium through which they pass. In conventional use, this also includes deviation of...

, absorption, and extinction of electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that exhibits wave-like behavior as it travels through space...

by particles, molecules and surfaces. Both single scattering and multiple scattering (i.e. radiative transfer) are considered in this category.

Section 290 of the optics classification of the Optical Society of America analyses the subject into the following subcategories: