T-matrix formulation and generalized Lorenz–Mie theories in spherical coordinates

There has been recently a growing interest in the development of what is usually known as the T-matrix method (better to be named: T-matrix formulation), in connection with studies concerning light scattering by nonspherical particles. Another line of research has been devoted to the development of generalized Lorenz–Mie theories dealing with the interaction between arbitrary electromagnetic shaped beams and some regular particles, allowing one to solve Maxwell’s equations by using a method of separation of variables. Both lines of research are conjointly considered in this paper. Results of generalized Lorenz–Mie theories in spherical coordinates (for homogeneous spheres, multilayered spheres, spheres with an eccentrically located spherical inclusion, assemblies of spheres and aggregates) are modified from scalar results in the framework of the Bromwich method to vectorial expressions using vector spherical wave functions (VSWFs) in order to match the T-matrix formulation, and to express the T-matrix. The results obtained are used as a basis to clarify statements, some of them erroneous, concerning the T-matrix formulation and to provide recommendations for better terminologies.