 Differential cross-section for scalar wave scattering

If a unit incident plane wave has scattered field ${\psi }_s=e^{ikR}{f}_{\infty }(\hat{\mathbf{r}},{\hat{\mathbf{r}}}_0)/R+O(R^{-2})$, the differential wave scattering cross-section isIt is the far-field limit of $R^2$ times the scattered-to-incident energy flux ratio. The common physical amplitude normalization cancels when the incident and scattered waves are in the same background medium. The formula assumes that the $1/(4\pi )$ Green-function factor, if present, is already included in the far-field pattern.