Geometric depolarization in patterns formed by backscattered light

We formulate a framework to extend the idea of Berry's topological phase to multiple light scattering, and in particular to backscattering of linearly polarized light. We show that the randomization of the geometric Berry's phases in the medium leads to a loss of the polarization degree of the light, i.e., to a depolarization. We use Monte Carlo simulations in which Berry's phase is calculated for each photon path. Then we average over the distribution of the geometric phases to calculate the form of the patterns, which we compare with experimental patterns formed by backscattered light between crossed or parallel polarizers. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.