Calculation of Debye series expansion of light scattering

The Debye series expansion (DSE) is of importance for understanding light scattering features and for testing the validity of geometric optics approach to light scattering. We recast the partial-wave reflection and transmission coefficients so that all the related complex functions can be calculated with stability in all necessary orders. Numerical tests are performed for both the full scattering intensities and the components in a wide range of particle sizes and refractive indices. The results are compared with those from Mie calculation and from MiePlot v4.1, showing that the algorithm is stable, reliable, and robust in a wide range of particle sizes and refractive indices. The developed algorithm may also apply to the DSE calculation of light scattering by multilayered spheres or cylinders. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America