The polarization of light scattered by small particles: A personal review

A personal review of the author's field of research is presented at the occasion of his receipt of the first Van de Hulst Light-Scattering Award. Special attention is given to the relation between the author's work and the contributions of Professor H.C. van de Hulst to the field of light scattering by small particles. History, people and research are intertwined in this paper. The polarization of light scattered by particles is brought into focus. First, the interpretation of the polarization of Venus in terms of properties of its cloud particles is recorded, followed by a discussion of symmetry principles and their interrelationships. The structure of a variety of Mueller matrices is exposed. Experimental work on light scattering is also considered. Finally, the fast growth of knowledge over the past few decades pertaining to light scattering by non-spherical particles is indicated.

► Review of the author's research on polarization of light scattered by small particles. ► History, people and research are intertwined. ► Theoretical and experimental aspects of light scattering by small particles. ► Applications to light scattering in (exo-)planetary atmospheres and other media.