After having recalled basic theoretical results concerning the extension of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory to the case of multilayered spheres, results connected with phase-Doppler anemometry are considered, showing the influence of Gaussian beam intensity profiles on the light scattering properties of these particles. Particular emphasis is placed on the case of water-coated carbon core particles, for which the possibility of obtaining simultaneous size measurements of the core and outer diameters is discussed. The sensitivity of the technique to particles with a refractive index profile is also considered, showing that this technique is more sensitive to changes in the average refractive index of the particles than to refractive index profiles, such as produced by high pressure and temperature stresses, at least for the studied geometry.