The Phase Matrix

As mentioned in Section 2.2.1, the Stokes vector, ${\b I}$, is always defined with respect to a reference plane which is given by the vertical direction and the direction of propagation, the meridian plane. However, the scattering matrix, as discussed in Section 2.3.4, was referenced to the plane of scattering. That is, the plane containing both the incident and scattered directions. Thus, in order to compute the amount of light incident in direction $(\mu',\phi')$ and scattered into direction $(\mu,\phi)$, ${\b I}$ must first be transformed from the incident meridian plane to the plane of scattering so that the scattering calculations can be carri