Generalized optical theorem for Rayleigh scattering approximation

TL;DR

This paper derives a generalized optical theorem for Rayleigh scattering using propagation invariant beams and the far field approximation, extending classical scattering analysis to more general incident fields.

Contribution

It introduces a new generalized optical theorem applicable to propagation invariant beams in Rayleigh scattering, broadening the scope of classical scattering theory.

Findings

Derived a general expression for the optical theorem in Rayleigh scattering.

Revisited classical scattering of a dielectric sphere with arbitrary propagation invariant beams.

Extended the applicability of optical theorem to more general incident fields.

Abstract

A general expression for the optical theorem for probe sources given in terms of propagation invariant beams is derived. This expression is obtained using the far field approximation for Rayleigh regime. In order to illustrate this results is revisited the classical and standard scattering elastic problem of a dielectric sphere for which the incident field can be any propagation invariant beam.