Appearance of circularly polarized light in an atmosphere-ocean system

Using a Monte Carlo algorithm to simulate the scattering of sunlight in an atmosphere-ocean system, the degree of circular polarization of light in the ocean has been calculated at multiple depths and directions. In this system circularly polarized light is produced by the reflection of light from beneath the surface at an incident angle greater than the critical angle. We present the results of these simulations for different solar angles, wavelengths of light, and models that include the presence of aerosols in the atmosphere and hydrosols in the water. (C) 2020 Optical Society of America