Integral localized approximation in generalized Lorenz–Mie theory

The generalized Lorenz-Mie theory deals with the interaction between spheres and arbitrarily shaped illuminating beams. An efficient use of the theory requires efficient evaluation of the so-called beam-shape coefficients involved in the description of the illuminating beam. A less time-consuming method of evaluation relies on the localized approximation. However, it lacks flexibility when the description of the illuminating beam is modified. We present a new version of this method, called the integral localized approximation, that exhibits the desired property of flexibility.