Influence of irregular particles on the propagation of polarized pulsed laser beams through turbid underwater environments

This study investigates polarized pulsed laser propagation in turbid underwater environments by combining Monte Carlo simulations with the T-matrix scattering method to model irregularly shaped particles. Using sand and algae as representative scatterers, we examined the effects of particle shape, composition, and turbidity on backscattered energy, polarization, and temporal pulse characteristics. Results show that circular polarization is more resilient to depolarization, especially in low-absorption scattering media such as sand. Flattened particles enhance backscattering, while elongated ones favor forward scattering. Algae, due to their absorption and complexity, induce stronger depolarization. These findings highlight the importance of realistic particle modeling for advancing underwater optical communication and imaging technologies.