Polarization characteristics of the coherent backscatter opposition effect

It has been suggested recently that coherent backscattering of photons from discrete disordered media, which has been recently discovered in laboratory-controlled experiments, may play a role in peculiar radar and light scattering from some atmosphereless solar system bodies. In this paper, a rigorous vector theory recently developed by Mishchenko (1991b, 1992a) is used to study polarization characteristics of the coherent backscatter opposition effect. Backscattering enhancement in different polarization components is studied and results of computer calculations for a representative selection of scattering models are presented. It is pointed out that these calculations support recent Hapke's (1990) explanation of unusual radar characteristics of icy outer planet satellites.