Virtues of Mueller matrix imaging for underwater target detection

We present a theoretical analysis on use of polarized light in the detectio n of a model target in a scattering and absorbing medium similar to seawate r, Monte Carlo numerical simulations are used in the calculation of the eff ective Mueller matrix which describes the scattering process. A target in t he shape of a disk is divided into three regions, each of which has the sam e albedo but different reduced Mueller matrices. Contrast between various p arts of the target and background is analyzed in the images created by ordi nary radiance, by various elements of the Mueller matrix, and by certain su itable combinations of these elements. It is shown that the application of polarized light has distinct advantages in target detection and characteriz ation when compared with use of unpolarized light. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.