Open AccessOptimization of Mueller matrix polarimeters in the presence of error sources
Author(s) -
Karen Twietmeyer,
Russell A. Chipman
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.011589
Subject(s) - polarimeter , mueller calculus , polarimetry , optics , polarization (electrochemistry) , singular value decomposition , retarder , physics , computer science , algorithm , scattering , materials science , chemistry , composite material
Methods are presented for optimizing the design of Mueller matrix polarimeters and and in particular selecting the retardances and orientation angles of polarization components to ensure accurate reconstruction of a sample's Mueller matrix in the presence of error sources. Metrics related to the condition number and to the singular value decomposition are used to guide the design process for Mueller matrix polarimeters with the goal of specifying polarization elements, comparing polarimeter configurations, estimating polarimeter errors, and compensating for known error sources. The use of these metrics is illustrated with analyses of two example polarimeters: a dual rotating retarder polarimeter, and a dual variable retarder polarimeter.