Increasing detection range and minimizing polarization mixing with circularly polarized light through scattering environments

J. D. van der Laan; D. A. Scrymgeour; S. A. Kemme; E. L. Dereniak

doi:10.1117/12.2050375

21 May 2014 Increasing detection range and minimizing polarization mixing with circularly polarized light through scattering environments

J. D. van der Laan, D. A. Scrymgeour, S. A. Kemme, E. L. Dereniak

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9099, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XI; 909908 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050375
Event: SPIE Sensing Technology + Applications, 2014, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

We present both simulation and experimental results showing that circularly polarized light maintains its degree of polarization better than linearly polarized light in scattering environments. This is specifically true in turbid environments like fog and clouds. In contrast to previous studies that propagate single wavelengths through broad particle-size distributions, this work identifies regions where circular polarization persists further than linear by systematically surveying different wavelengths through monodisperse particle diameters. For monodisperse polystyrene microspheres in water, for particle diameters of 0.99 and 1.925 microns and varying optical depths, we show that circular polarization’s ability to persist through multiple scattering events is enhanced by as much as a factor of four, when compared to that of linear polarization. These particle diameters correspond to size parameters found for infrared wavelengths and marine and continental fog particle distributions. The experimental results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations for all scattering environments investigated.

Citation Download Citation

J. D. van der Laan, D. A. Scrymgeour, S. A. Kemme, and E. L. Dereniak "Increasing detection range and minimizing polarization mixing with circularly polarized light through scattering environments", Proc. SPIE 9099, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XI, 909908 (21 May 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050375

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