Backscatter Mueller matrix elements for irregular stratified media

Full wave solutions are presented for electromagnetic waves scattered from irregular stratified structures consisting of three media. These solutions are expressed in terms of the Mueller (phase) matrix. The Mueller matrix relates the scattered Stokes vector to the incident Stokes vector. The authors consider the case in which the uppermost interface (facing the source) is a random rough surface. In addition to scattering and depolarization upon reflection, the incident wave also undergoes scattering and depolarization upon transmission across the rough interface. The six independent backscatter Mueller matrix elements are presented as functions of the incident angle for isotropic random rough surfaces with different toughness parameters. These Mueller matrix elements can be used to select the optimum backscatter angle and the wavelength that could be used to remotely detect the presence of coating materials deposited upon flat substrates