In this paper, the Mueller matrices of receiving telescopes are obtained by ray tracing with space vectors. 
ray tracing
In order to achieve accurate atmospheric depolarization measurements, it is necessary to study the polarization properties of receiving telescopes, which are embodied by their Mueller matrices.  In this paper, the Mueller matrices of receiving telescopes are obtained by ray tracing with space vectors. 
Mueller matrices
By comparing two common receiving telescopes in linear and circular polarization lidars, it is found that the measurement errors caused by the Newton telescopes in circular polarization lidars are significantly greater than those in linear polarization lidars, while the performances of the Cassegrain telescopes in the two lidars are almost identical.  What is more, the measurement errors caused by the Cassegrain telescopes are much less than the counterparts caused by the Newton telescopes. 
Newton telescopes
By comparing two common receiving telescopes in linear and circular polarization lidars, it is found that the measurement errors caused by the Newton telescopes in circular polarization lidars are significantly greater than those in linear polarization lidars, while the performances of the Cassegrain telescopes in the two lidars are almost identical.  What is more, the measurement errors caused by the Cassegrain telescopes are much less than the counterparts caused by the Newton telescopes. 
Cassegrain telescopes