Experimental laser beam profiles often deviate somewhat from the ideal Gaussian shape of the TEM(00) laser mode. In order to take these deviations into account when calculating light scattering, we propose a method for approximating the beam shape coefficients in the partial wave expansion of an experimental laser beam. We then compute scattering by a single dielectric spherical particle placed on the beam\u27s axis using this method and compare our results to laboratory data. Our model calculations fit the laboratory data well. (C) 1996 Optical Society of Americ
