On the interrelation of the characteristic scales of depolarization and decorrelation of optical fields under multiple-scattering conditions

The interrelation of depolarization and decorrelation of optical fields in multiply scattering Brownian media is studied on the basis of the notion of the probability density of optical path lengths of the partial components of the scattered field under multiple-scattering conditions. To describe such media a universal parameter that is independent of the density (concentration) of scattering particles is introduced — the characteristic correlation time. Experimental results obtained with aqueous suspensions of polystyrene beads as model media are presented which demonstrate the constancy of this parameter at different concentrations of scattering particles. Pis’ma Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 67, No. 7, 455–460 (10 April 1998)