Pair-structure matrix of random collection of particles: Implications for light scattering

Scattering of light fields from random collections of particles of different types is considered. A new matrix called pair-structure matrix characterizing the correlations between particles of the same and of different types is introduced. This matrix reduces to the pair-structure factor of scattering collection [Opt. Lett. 34, 1762 (2009)] in the case when the particles in the collection are all of the same type. For illustration of the importance of the new matrix the formula for the degree of coherence of a polychromatic plane wave scattered from a collection of particles of different types is derived.