Equivalence relations for Mueller matrix symmetries of laboratory, LIDAR and planetary scattering geometries

TL;DR

This paper explores the mathematical symmetries of Mueller matrices across different scattering geometries, linking planetary, laboratory, and LIDAR configurations through their symmetry properties.

Contribution

It establishes formal connections between the Mueller matrix symmetries in various scattering geometries using the Stokes matrix formalism.

Findings

Unified framework for Mueller matrix symmetries across geometries

Mathematical links between planetary, laboratory, and LIDAR scattering symmetries

Enhanced understanding of optical scattering symmetry relationships

Abstract

Symmetry relationships for optical observations of matter generally fall into several common scattering geometries. The 'planetary' configuration is preferred among a group of observers of extraterrestrial planets, 'laboratory' observations are performed in the biomedical research field and the LIDAR configuration is preferred among those using lasers to probe optical properties of horizontal surfaces with mirror or axial symmetry. This paper starts with the Stokes matrix formalism and uses symmetries of Mueller matrix scattering to establishes links between the mathematical symmetries of each geometric configuration.