LAUSR

ABSTRACT The two-point generalized Mueller matrix method and phase screen approximation are applied to determine features of light scattering on mosaic birefringent layers composed of structurally similar domains. Two types of mosaic birefringent layers are considered: mosaic birefringent layers composed of identical non-chiral domains and statistically non-chiral layers composed of structurally similar (but generally not identical) domains. Analytical expressions for matrix operators that connect state vectors of the scattered and non-scattered components with the state vector of the incident beam are derived in terms of statistical structural characteristics of the layer. Based on the theoretical approach developed, some optical phenomena characteristic of mosaic birefringent layers, such as selective light scattering and inversion of circular polarization upon scattering, are explained. The effect of the degree of similarity of domains on the scattering properties of the layer is analyzed. Illustrative experimental examples are given.Abbreviations: LC: liquid crystal; NRPA layer: nematic random planar alignment layer; NPMB layer: non-planar mosaic birefringent layer; RIJM theory: rotationally invariant Jones matrix theory; SMB layer: simple mosaic birefringent layer; SNCM layer: statistically non-chiral mosaic layer