Polarization imaging

Although several attempts have been made in the past to use the partially polarized nature of optical fields in constructing images, the technique is not widely known or used. This paper reviews the principles of single-parameter polarization imaging and introduces the concept of multiparameter Stokes vector imaging. The Stokes vector image construction is discussed in the context of a recently introduced model of the human visual system perception space. It is shown that this perception space model allows one to take advantage of more of the information contained in the optical field to create an intelligible color display. The perception space model is also used to define a quantitative visual discrimination threshold applicable to multiparameter image construction and display.