Optimal reception of partially polarized waves

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Abstract
Various aspects of the physics of partially polarized waves are discussed with applications to optical (lidar) reception problems. We focus on the issue of the optimal intensity reception of partially polarized waves scattered off a fluctuating object (ensemble of scatterers) of known polarization properties (measured Mueller matrix). Expressions for total available intensity and adjustable (polarization-dependent) intensity are derived in a clear and novel manner by using the coherency matrix approach. A general numerical technique is developed and illustrated for the optimization of adjustable intensity as a function of transmitted polarization. Closed-form expressions are derived for two important subcases, and numerical illustrations for the general case are discussed in detail, including the use of relevant experimental data.