Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Theoretical analysis of polarization patterns from incoherent backscattering of light
1Department of Physics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4242, USA.
Abstract:
Anisotropy in the polarization of the backscattered light from a polarized laser beam incident upon a scattering medium has been observed experimentally. When the beam is viewed through an oriented polarizer, characteristic patterns in the backscattered light are observed. We present here a simple explanation of these patterns, using the theory of incoherent scattering of light by spheres. It appears that the major contribution to the observed patterns comes from the double scattering of light.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Polar Coordinates: Problem Solving
Interference and Diffraction
Potential Due to a Polarized Object
Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
The Wave Nature of Light

