Calculation of Mueller matrices and polarization signatures for a slab of random medium using vector radiative transfer

Abstract

The Mueller matrix which characterizes a slab of random medium containing spherical particles is calculated by using the vector radiative transfer theory. The vector radiative transfer equation is solved for arbitrarily polarized incident waves. The background refractive index of the slab is allowed to be different from the surrounding media. The scattering specific intensities for four independent polarized incident waves are calculated and used to construct the Mueller matrix, which contains multiple scattering due to the randomly distributed particles governed by the vector radiative transfer theory. The calculated are found to be symmetrical, and there are eight nonvanishing matrix elements. Polarization signatures are obtained in the backscattering direction from the Mueller matrix of the reflection side. >