Efficient light-scattering calculations for aggregates of large spheres

Appl Opt. 2003 May 20;42(15):2785-93. doi: 10.1364/ao.42.002785.

Abstract

Calculation of the scattering pattern from aggregates of spheres through the T-matrix approach yields high-precision results but at a high-computational cost, especially when the aggregate concerned is large or is composed of large-size spheres. With reference to a specific but representative aggregate, we discuss how and to what extent the computational effort can be reduced but still preserve the qualitative features of the signature of the aggregate concerned.