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Scattering mechanism for quadratic evolution of depolarization
1Sensor Science Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA.
Optics Letters
|November 23, 2020
Summary
Introducing scatter into light propagation through a medium causes quadratic depolarization even in the short coherence length regime. This finding challenges previous theoretical assumptions limited to unidirectional light travel.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Light-Matter Interactions
Background:
- Theoretical models predict quadratic depolarization with material thickness in the long coherence length regime.
- Previous experimental studies observed this behavior but may not have met the long coherence length condition.
- Unidirectional light propagation is a key assumption in existing theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate depolarization in the short coherence length regime.
- To determine the effect of introducing scatter on light depolarization.
- To challenge the limitations of unidirectional propagation theories.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of light propagation through a medium with scatter.
- Analysis of polarimetric properties under varying conditions.
- Comparison with existing theories and experimental observations.
Main Results:
- Quadratic depolarization occurs in the short coherence length regime when scatter is present.
- The presence of scatter fundamentally alters depolarization dynamics.
- Findings are consistent with experimental observations that deviate from unidirectional theory.
Conclusions:
- The unidirectional approach is not universally applicable for understanding depolarization.
- Scatter plays a crucial role in depolarization, extending quadratic behavior to shorter coherence lengths.
- This work broadens the understanding of light depolarization in complex media.
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