The influence of particle size in active polarization imaging in scattering media

Simulations of active-illumination imaging of surfaces immersed in a scattering media utilizing Monte Carlo techniques are presented. The observing medium comprises finite-sized spherical particles and the simulations rigorously account for polarization effects of the scattering process. Illumination with linear or circular polarization states and detection in the original and orthogonal polarization states are investigated. The object surfaces are modelled as diffuse scatterers which randomize the polarization state of the reflected light. Polarization discrimination can be effective in extending the depth of visibility through scattering particles with diameters as large as the wavelength of the light. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.