Open AccessEffects of collection geometry variations on linear and circular polarization persistence in both isotropic-scattering and forward-scattering environments
Author(s) -
John D. van der Laan,
Jeremy Benjamin Wright,
David Scrymgeour,
Shanalyn A. Kemme,
Eustace L. Dereniak
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
applied optics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0003-6935
DOI - 10.1364/ao.55.009042
Subject(s) - optics , scattering , forward scatter , polarization (electrochemistry) , isotropy , circular polarization , physics , persistence (discontinuity) , light scattering , geometry , mathematics , geology , geotechnical engineering , chemistry , microstrip
We present simulation and experimental results showing circular polarization is more tolerant of optical collection geometry (field of view and collection area) variations than linear polarization for forward-scattering environments. Circular polarization also persists superiorly in the forward-scattering environment compared to linear polarization by maintaining its degree of polarization better through increasing optical thicknesses. In contrast, both linear and circular polarizations are susceptible to collection geometry variations for isotropic-scattering (Rayleigh regime) environments, and linear polarization maintains a small advantage in polarization persistence. Simulations and measurements are presented for laboratory-based environments of polystyrene microspheres in water. Particle diameters were 0.0824 μm (for isotropic-scattering) and 1.925 μm (for forward-scattering) with an illumination wavelength of 543.5 nm.