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The polarization patterns of skylight reflected off wave water surface
Optics Express
|February 12, 2014
Summary
This study models skylight polarization reflected off ocean waves, finding distinct patterns compared to flat water. Understanding these patterns, especially at the Brewster angle, helps minimize sunglint in ocean optics.
Area of Science:
- Ocean optics
- Atmospheric optics
- Light polarization
Background:
- Skylight polarization is crucial for remote sensing and optical measurements.
- Understanding light reflection from wave surfaces is complex due to dynamic surface geometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a model for analyzing skylight polarization patterns reflected off wave surfaces.
- To investigate the influence of environmental factors on reflected skylight polarization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Rayleigh model for scattered skylight polarization.
- Employed Harrison and Coombes model for light radiance distribution.
- Applied Cox-Munk model and Mueller matrix for wave surface reflections.
Main Results:
- Polarization patterns differ between waves and flat water.
- High polarization (Degree of Polarization - DOP) occurs at the Brewster angle, parallel to the surface.
- The backward-reflecting Brewster zone exhibits low reflectance and high DOP.
Conclusions:
- Reflected skylight polarization is significantly influenced by wave action.
- The findings offer a method to reduce sunglint in ocean optics measurements by targeting the Brewster zone.
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