We present simulation results that show circularly polarized light persists through scattering environments better than linearly polarized light. Specifically, we show persistence is enhanced through many scattering events in an environment with a size parameter representative of advection fog at infrared wavelengths. Utilizing polarization tracking Monte Carlo simulations we show a larger persistence benefit for circular polarization versus linear polarization for both forward and backscattered photons. We show the evolution of the incident polarization states after various scattering events which highlight the mechanism leading to circular polarization’s superior persistence.

Date Published: 19 May 2015
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 9465, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XX; and Atmospheric Propagation XII, 94650U (19 May 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2177406

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9465:
Laser Radar Technology and Applications XX; and Atmospheric Propagation XII
Monte D. Turner; Linda M. Wasiczko Thomas; Gary W. Kamerman; Earl J. Spillar, Editor(s)