Physical interpretation of eigenvalue problems in optical scattering polarimetry

Shane R. Cloude

doi:10.1117/12.278961

3 October 1997 Physical interpretation of eigenvalue problems in optical scattering polarimetry

Shane R. Cloude

Proceedings Volume 3121, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278961
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

In this paper we consider the physical interpretation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in the coherency matrix formulation of optical polarimetry. The coherency matrix formulation is relatively new in optics and so is first developed and compared with the classical Mueller matrix formulation. It is shown that by employing a special kind of averaging based on a Bernoulli multi-symbol model using the eigenvector decomposition, physical parameters of the medium may be related to matrix observables. To illustrate this approach, the problem of scattering by a cloud of anisotropic particles with variable stochastic properties is used. It is shown in particular that a 2D plane, the entropy/alpha plane, is important for the representation of scattering data. The technique has potential application in data inversion studies in optical scattering polarimetry.

Citation Download Citation

Shane R. Cloude "Physical interpretation of eigenvalue problems in optical scattering polarimetry", Proc. SPIE 3121, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing, (3 October 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278961

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available