Influence of sensing geometry on polarimetric reflectance data

Our objective is to disseminate the importance of sensing geometry when comparing reflectance data from different polarimeters. Results are presented from an eye-safe laser scatterometer that was used to measure the Mueller matrix of samples under a diversity of sensing geometries, thus providing a common reference for instrument comparison. Data from three other polarimeters are compared to this reference, and apparent discrepancies are explained in terms of each instrument's unique experimental sensing geometry. Results are also provided showing that the degree of sensing geometry dependence varied widely among sample types. c 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [DOI: 10.1117/1.3027482]