Vol. 50, Issue 3, pp. 433-445

Abstract

Oil slicks often show uncertain surface roughness and Fresnel reflection parameters. Consequently, differentiating oil spilled on the seawater in these areas using optical sensors is a challenge. Therefore, the optical mechanism of the oil film has been studied by the Maxwell equation. It is found that the polarization characteristics of the oil slicks can help us to overcome this problem. According to the Fresnel formula, the scattering coefficient and scattering rate of the homogeneous oil film have been deduced, and the phase difference of the scattering electromagnetic wave has also been calculated to verify the accuracy of the model. The parameter, a degree of scattering polarization, has been derived to identify the oil slicks on the sea wave. It depends on accurately knowing the Stokes parameter for the reflected light, and varies with the refractive index of the surface layer and viewing angles. The actual spilled oil has been measured by this model, and the oil film can be accurately identified at various angles. These preliminary results suggest that the potential of multi-angle polarization measurement of ocean surface needs further researches.