A device for measuring near forward scatter caused by particulate matter in a fluid is disclosed. The device comprises, according to various embodiments, a transceiver and a reflector. The transceiver includes a light source and a detector. The reflector is positioned opposite the transceiver so that at least a portion of the fluid is present between the transceiver and the reflector. The reflector includes a front portion facing the transceiver. Optical energy from the light source incident upon the reflector is reflected towards the transceiver as a return beam of optical energy, wherein the detector senses primarily optical energy of the return beam that is scattered over a range of near forward angles by particulate matter in the fluid.