title: Comparison of T-matrix calculation methods for scattering by cylinders in optical tweezers.
abstract: The T-matrix method, or the T-matrix formulation of scattering, is a framework for mathematically describing the scattering properties of an object as a linear relationship between expansion coefficients of the incident and scattering fields in a basis of vector spherical wave functions (VSWFs). A variety of methods can be used to calculate the T-matrix. We explore the applicability of the extended boundary condition method (EBCM) and point matching (PM) method to calculate the T-matrix for scattering by cylinders in optical tweezers and hence the optical force acting on them. We compare both methods with the discrete-dipole approximation (DDA) to measure their accuracy for different sizes and aspect ratios (ARs) for Rayleigh and wavelength-size cylinders. We determine range of sizes and ARs giving errors below 1% and 10%. These results can help researchers choose the most efficient method to calculate the T-matrix for nonspherical particles with acceptable accuracy.
authors.forename: Xiaoqiong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Qi
authors.forename: Timo A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Nieminen
authors.forename: Alexander B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Stilgoe
authors.forename: Vincent L Y
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Loke
authors.forename: Halina
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rubinsztein-Dunlop