Interaction of radiation and fast electrons with clusters of dielectrics: A multiple scattering approach

A fast, accurate, and general technique for solving Maxwell's equations in arbitrarily disposed clusters of dielectric objects is presented, based upon multiple scattering of electromagnetic multipole fields. Examples of application to the simulation of electron energy loss, radiation emission induced by fast electrons, and light scattering are offered. Large rates of Smith-Purcell radiation are predicted in the interaction of fast electrons with strings of Al and SiO2 spheres, suggesting its possible application in tunable soft UV light generation. Mutual electromagnetic interaction among objects in the different clusters under consideration is shown to be of primary importance. [S0031-9007(99)08761-X].