Geometrical concepts in optimal polarimetry: Stokes formalism in a Minkowski space

David H.O. Bebbington

doi:10.1117/12.140612

12 February 1993 Geometrical concepts in optimal polarimetry: Stokes formalism in a Minkowski space

David H.O. Bebbington

Proceedings Volume 1748, Radar Polarimetry; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140612
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Geometrical concepts which have long been central to the Poincare sphere and Stokes vector representations are extended to include vector representations of target scattering matrices via a new derivation based on spinor algebra techniques. New results include the geometric significance of an absolute target phase, an interpretation of Graves' power scattering matrix as a four-vector, and its relationship to the complex target vector. The mathematical and physical significances of the interpretation of Stokes vector space as having a Minkowskian geometry are discussed. The consequences of Lorentz invariance are explored in an application to incoherent backscatter optimal polarimetry.

Citation Download Citation

David H.O. Bebbington "Geometrical concepts in optimal polarimetry: Stokes formalism in a Minkowski space", Proc. SPIE 1748, Radar Polarimetry, (12 February 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140612

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