Optimal bandwidth and systematic error of full-Stokes micropolarizer arrays

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Image Reconstruction
• Polarimetry

Background:

• Micropolarizer arrays (MPAs) are essential for full-Stokes polarimetry.
• Existing MPA designs face limitations in bandwidth, error performance, and noise resiliency.
• Systematic analysis of MPA design tradeoffs is needed for improved performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first in-depth analysis of bandwidth, error performance, and noise resiliency for full-Stokes MPA designs.
• To develop and compare novel full-Stokes MPA layouts using Fourier domain tools.
• To evaluate reconstruction accuracy across various MPA architectures.

Main Methods:

• Development of Fourier domain tools for systematic information carrier arrangement and bandwidth allocation.
• Design and comparison of new full-Stokes MPA layouts, including generalized 2×L families, 3×3 tilings, and 2×2×3 spatiotemporal designs.
• Analysis of reconstruction accuracy degradation due to systematic fabrication errors.

Main Results:

• The hybrid spatiotemporally modulated 2×2×3 MPA provides the highest bandwidth and reconstruction accuracy.
• The modified 2×L family of MPAs demonstrates the best performance for single-snapshot applications.
• Reducing correlated error during MPA fabrication significantly enhances reconstruction accuracy and robustness.

Conclusions:

• Novel MPA designs, particularly the 2×2×3 hybrid, offer superior performance over traditional 2×2 unit cell designs.
• Spatiotemporal modulation and optimized layout are key to maximizing bandwidth and accuracy.
• Minimizing correlated systematic errors is paramount for reliable MPA performance in real-world applications.