New Monte Carlo method for Compton and Rayleigh scattering by polarized gamma rays

In this work we present a new Monte Carlo method for the simulation of Compton and Rayleigh scattering of polarized gamma rays. The azimuthal angle of the scattered photon and the direction of its polarization vector are described. Using the Stokes parameters formalism (Trans. Cambrige Phil. Soc. 9 (1852) 399), we show that this method reproduces the polarization process suffered by a scattered unpolarized incident beam and the depolarization effect suffered by a completely linearly polarized incident beam.