Investigation of Domains of Validity of Corrections to the Eikonal Approximation in Forward Light Scattering from Homogeneous Spheres

Abstract

Abstract Corrections to the eikonal approximation in light scattering from non-absorbing, transparent homogeneous spheres are considered. Numerical comparisons with the exact theory for various values of relative refractive index m and diameter d are presented. Of particular interest are the results in the diameter range 0·2 μm ⩽ d ⩽ 5·0 μm where it has been shown that for m⩽ 1·15, predictions of diameters from the eikonal approximation and Mie theory agree to within 6 per cent.