Light scattering computational methods for particles on substrates

Four theoretical and computational methods to describe the scattering from simple particles on substrates are presented and discussed. These methods a re based on the extinction theorem, image theory, the double-interaction mo del, and geometrical optics tray-tracing). We compare the four methods with measurements of scattered light from gold metallic cylinders resting on a gold metallic substrate. In particular, we analyze the co-polarized (s and p polarization) full-scan and back-scattering intensities in the far field within the plane of incidence. Advantages and disadvantages of each method as a computational and reliable tool are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.