A transfer matrix approach to local field calculations in multiple-scattering problems

Abstract

We present a new recursive transfer matrix method for calculating local electromagnetic fields in systems of spheres subject to strong dependent scattering. Local field information is often lost or discarded in recursive transfer matrix approaches. In order to preserve the local field information, and to avoid problems associated with the dimensional cut-off of the translation matrices, we calculate the scatterer-centred transfer matrices. Our technique permits systematic studies of local field eiects for all possible incident field directions, and configurations (including orientation averages). Illustrative calculations are presented.