Interpretation of laser sensing data based on a model of a cloud as plate crystals

A polarization backscattering phase matrix for oriented semitransparent plates is given in the present paper. The matrix elements have been numerically investigated. Regular dependences have been established of the matrix elements on the orientation angle of particles with respect to the sensing direction, the orientation angle of the polarization plane, and the refractive index of particles. An algorithm has been developed for determining the refractive index and the orientation angle of ice plates from the data of polarization lidar sensing for two-angle sensing geometry. A formula has been derived that relates the main parameters of the medium with the backscattering coefficient that can be used for interpretation of highly intense lidar return signal.