Vector angular spectrum model for light traveling in scattering media

Abstract

Strongly scattering media disrupt both the wavefront distribution and the polarization state of the incident light field. Controlling and effectively utilizing depolarization effects are crucial for optical applications in highly scattering environments, such as imaging through dense fog. However, current simulation models have difficulty simulating the evolution of vector light fields within scattering media, posing challenges for studying vector light fields in strongly scattering environments. Here, we propose the Vector Angular Spectrum (VAS) model for simulating the propagation of vector light fields within scattering media. By introducing the angular spectrum distribution of vector light scattering and polarization conversion mechanisms, this model can simulate the depolarization effects of vector light propagating through strongly scattering media. The VAS model has also been used to investigate the focusing of vector scattered light through scattering media. Furthermore, the simulation results of the model have been validated through experiments. The proposed VAS model is expected to play a role in the theoretical research of vector scattered light and optical applications in strongly scattering environments.