Light depolarization by inhomogeneous linear birefringent media

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to provide rigorous analysis of light depolarization by inhomogeneous linear birefringent media in single scattering case. The object under investigation is a lossless anisotropic crystalline slab with surface inhomogeneity. For the analysis we use the Mueller matrix model of such class of media derived in [1], Cloude’s coherency matrix method and known single value depolarization metrics. Sample calculations are given for calcite CaCO₃, paratellurite TeO₂ and lithium niobate LiNbO₃.