Differential matrix physically admissible for depolarizing media: the case of diagonal matrices.

In this Letter, we address the question of the physical validity of a depolarizing differential matrix. A parameterization of the diagonal terms of these depolarizing differential matrices is proposed. It ensures that the generators associated with diagonal depolarization terms lead to physical Mueller matrices. The validity of this parameterization is discussed. A condition is derived and related to the spatial extension of inhomogeneities with respect to the optical path length as proposed by Ossikovski [Opt. Lett. 36, 2330 (2011)].