Polarization enhancement of linearly polarized light through foggy environments at UV–NIR wavelengths

Wavelength is an essential factor affecting polarization propagation. We investigate the polarization persistence of linearly polarized light from ultraviolet to near-IR in foggy environments. Certain spectral bands, from ultraviolet to IR wavelengths that exhibit lower path loss, were initially selected. Using polarization-tracking Monte Carlo simulations for varying particle size, wavelength, refractive index and detection range, it is shown that linear polarization exhibits different persistence performance at different wavelengths in various foggy environments. For wet haze of 0.6 µm or 1 µm droplets, parallel polarization increases persistently as the wavelength increases, and has superior persistence in the near-IR region. For radiation fog of 5 µm or 7.5 µm droplets, parallel polarization shows superior persistence in the ultraviolet region. For advection fog of 15 µm or 45 µm droplets, parallel polarization shows a superior persistence in the ultraviolet region. It is therefore shown that changing the wavelength can improve linear polarization persistence in foggy environments.