Elliptical depolarization ratio

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005347",
  "term": "Elliptical depolarization ratio",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A measure of the change in polarization state of an electromagnetic wave after scattering by atmospheric particles, specifically when the scattered light becomes elliptically polarized. It quantifies the degree to which the scattered radiation deviates from its original linear or circular polarization. This ratio is used in lidar remote sensing to characterize the shape and composition of aerosols and cloud particles.",
  "see_also": [
    "cancellation ratio",
    "circular depolarization ratio"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/elliptical-depolarization-ratio/"
}