Symmetry relations revealed in Mueller matrix hemispherical maps

The hemispherical Mueller matrix map for light reflected from a plane-parallel planetary atmosphere is shown to obey several symmetry properties that provide a straightforward method to check their physical realizability. The mirror scattering relation and the reciprocity relation are employed to support the symmetry rules for hemispherical Mueller matrix maps. Additionally, two classes of experiments are identified in which the symmetry rules can be applied, namely, when the incident beam is at zenith and off-zenith angles and the scattering particles are spheres and randomly oriented hexagonal particles.

► Hemispherical Mueller matrix maps for spheres and hexagonal cylinders with zenith and off-zenith illumination are studied. ► Symmetry relationships for Mueller Matrix hemispherical observations for zenith and off-zenith illumination are identified. ► Limits of single-scattering Mueller matrix symmetry relationships are shown based on numerical simulations.