Electromagnetic wave scattering by spheroidal conductors for arbitrary polarization and angle of incidence: 1. Theory

We generalize the technique of using spin‐weighted spheroidal harmonics to calculate electromagnetic scattering cross sections of spheroidal conductors for axially incident radiation. This paper extends the method to waves of arbitrary polarization and angle of incidence, and serves as the foundation for numerical work to be reported in a second paper in this series.