Polarimetric and angular light-scattering from dense media: Comparison of a vectorial radiative transfer model with analytical, stochastic and experimental approaches

•A vectorial radiative transfer model to simulate the light scattered by stratified layers is developed.•The vectorial radiative transfer equation is solved using an adding-doubling technique.•The results are compared to analytical and stochastic data.•Validation with experimental data from a scatterometer developed at Onera is presented.

Our work presents computations via a vectorial radiative transfer model of the polarimetric and angular light scattered by a stratified dense medium with small and intermediate optical thickness. We report the validation of this model using analytical results and different computational methods like stochastic algorithms. Moreover, we check the model with experimental data from a specific scatterometer developed at the Onera. The advantages and disadvantages of a radiative approach are discussed. This paper represents a step toward the characterization of particles in dense media involving multiple scattering.