Symmetry and structure of reflection matrices of celestial bodies with particulate surfaces

DOI: 
10.1051/0004-6361/201527723
Publication date: 
01/05/2016
Main author: 
Hovenier, J. W.
IAA authors: 
Muñoz, O.
Authors: 
Hovenier, J. W.;Muñoz, O.
Journal: 
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
590
Pages: 
A81
Abstract: 
The polarization of electromagnetic radiation reflected by a particulate surface is determined by a four by four reflection matrix. Symmetry relations are quite common for such reflection matrices. The reciprocity and mirror symmetry relations are combined to derive a third symmetry relation. These three relations are used to simplify reflection matrices for a variety of special directions of incident and reflected radiation. We show that some elements of the reflection matrix can vanish or equal other elements that have the same or opposite sign. Several applications of the results for studies of particulate surfaces and atmospheres above them are pointed out.
Database: 
ADS
SCOPUS
SCOPUS
WOK
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/2016A&A...590A..81H/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
2016A&A...590A..81H
Keywords: 
planets and satellites: surfaces;planets and satellites: atmospheres;polarization;scattering