A physical model for the polarized scattering of light

The change in polarization state due to the interaction of light with the surface and beneath the surface of an object has become increasingly important in realistic image synthesis of materials such as metallic, iridescent and pearlescent paint, skin, hair and cosmetics. This paper presents a model for the anisotropic scattering of polarized light based upon the physics of light; which is capable of calculating both partial and complete polarization using a combination of Jones and Mueller calculus, as well as incorporating self shadowing effects. CR Categories and Subject Descriptors: I.3.3 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism – Raytracing;