Circular polarization in atmospheric aerosols

Abstract. Recent technological advances have demonstrated the feasibility of deploying spaceborne optical detectors with full polarimetric capabilities. The measurement all four Stokes coefficients opens significant new opportunities for atmospheric aerosol studies and applications. While considerable amounts attention been dedicated to sensors sensitivity total intensity linear polarization (represented by I, U, Q), there has less additional information brought measuring circular (coefficient V). This report fills this gap in knowledge providing an overview sources atmosphere discusses possible remote sensing signatures. In paper, circularly polarized radiation that results from interaction incident unpolarized is considered three physical settings: activity originating biogenic aerosols, alignment non-spherical particles presence electrical fields (such as dust, smoke, volcanic ash), multiple scattering effects. Observational theoretical evidence of, settings conditions for, non-zero generated are here gathered discussed. addition, novel radiative transfer simulations shown illustrate notable spectral other features where may provide possibly independent polarization-only observations. Current techniques detection composition (also referred type) space limited information. Remote identification aerosols such ash, dust can only be accomplished some degree confidence moderate high concentrations. When same found at lower concentrations (but still enough importance air quality cloud formation), these methods often produce ambiguous results. rarely utilized, we explore its value improved determination composition. study presented a goal perspective on overlooked property trigger interest further exploration subject.