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Superior signal persistence of circularly polarized light in polydisperse, real-world fog environments

Journal Article · · Applied Optics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.57.005464· OSTI ID:1457523

Here, we present simulation results quantitatively showing that circularly polarized light persists in transmission through several real-world and model fog environments better than linearly polarized light over broad wavelength ranges from the visible through the infrared. We present results for polydisperse particle distributions from realistic and measured fog environments, comparing the polarization persistence of linear and circular polarization. Using a polarization-tracking Monte Carlo program, we simulate polarized light propagation through four MODTRAN fog models (moderate and heavy radiation fog and moderate and heavy advection fog) and four real-world measured fog particle distributions (Garland measured radiation and advection fogs, Kunkel measured advection fog, and Sandia National Laboratories’ Fog Facility’s fog). Simulations were performed for each fog environment with wavelengths ranging from 0.4 to 12 µm for increasing optical thicknesses of 5, 10, and 15 (increasing fog density or sensing range). Circular polarization persists superiorly for all optical wavelength bands from the visible to the long-wave infrared in nearly all fog types for all optical thicknesses. Throughout our analysis, we show that if even a small percentage of a fog’s particle size distribution is made up of large particles, those particles dominate the scattering process. In nearly all real-world fog situations, these large particles and their dominant scattering characteristics are present. Larger particles are predominantly forward-scattering and contribute to circular polarization’s persistence superiority over broad wavelength ranges and optical thicknesses/range. Circularly polarized light can transmit over 30% more signal in its intended state compared to linearly polarized light through real-world fog environments. This work broadens the understanding of how circular polarization persists through natural fog particle distributions with natural variations in mode particle radius and single or bimodal characteristics.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1457523
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1457503
Report Number(s):
SAND--2018-6691J; 664618
Journal Information:
Applied Optics, Journal Name: Applied Optics Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 57; ISSN APOPAI; ISSN 1559-128X
Publisher:
Optical Society of AmericaCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (2)

Supramolecular fluorescent hydrogelators as bio-imaging probes journal January 2019
Broad-Band Transmission Characteristics of Polarizations in Foggy Environments journal June 2019

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