Scattering matrices for horizontally oriented ice crystals

Scattering matrices for horizontally oriented ice crystals are calculated with a code based on the geometric optics. The main physical regularities inherent to the scattering matrices are discussed. Degree of polarization of the scattered light is shown to be a qualitative criterion of number of photon trajectories that contribute effectively to the scattered light. The inverse scattering problem of retrieving aspect ratios of the horizontally oriented hexagonal ice plates from polarization of the scattered light in the bistatic sounding scheme has been proposed and discussed.