Calculation of the T matrix and the scattering matrix for ensembles of spheres

We present a method for determination of the random-orientation polarimetric scattering properties of an arbitrary, nonsymmetric cluster of spheres. The method is based on calculation of the cluster T matrix, from which the orientation-averaged scattering matrix and total cross sections can be analytically obtained. An efficient numerical method is developed for the T-matrix calculation, which is faster and requires less computer memory than the alternative approach based on matrix inversion. The method also allows calculation of the random orientation scattering properties of a cluster in a fraction of the time required for numerical quadrature. Numerical results for the random orientation scattering matrix are presented for sphere ensembles in the form of densely packed clusters and linear chains.