Molecular theory for resonant Rayleigh scattering

We compute—in the long-wavelength limit—the intensity of light scattered by resonantly absorbing molecules in solution. An expression is obtained that connects the scattered intensity with the absorption of the molecule. This result reflects the resonant behavior in scattered intensity by diphenylpolyenes. For further confirmation more experimental data are needed; in particular, measurement of light scattering in the spectral region of an absorption line. A possible experimental design is suggested for such measurements.