The Monte Carlo simulation of light scattering by a cluster of dielectric spheres is compared with numerical solutions of Maxwell's equations via the pseudospectral time-domain technique. By calculating the total scattering cross-section ͑TSCS͒ spectrum, respectively, the spectral light scattering characteristics are determined. Since the Monte Carlo simulation falls short to accurately account for coherent interference effects, it is shown that the Monte Carlo simulation yields TSCS spectra that significantly deviate from the numerical solutions of Maxwell's equations. Therefore, it is necessary to resort to Maxwell's equations in order to accurately determine the light scattering characteristics of a macroscopic geometry.
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