[Stokes Parameter Detection and Precision Analysis Based on Rotating Quarter-Wave Plate].

Area of Science:

• Optical remote sensing
• Polarimetry
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate calibration of polarized optical remote sensors is essential for precise target characteristic inversion.
• The polarization states of calibration reference sources directly impact sensor calibration accuracy.
• Existing methods may face limitations in achieving high-precision polarization state detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a correction model for improving the accuracy of polarization state detection of calibration reference light sources.
• To enhance the precision of polarized optical remote sensor calibration.
• To reduce the deviation between measured and theoretical Stokes parameters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 870 nm horizontal linear polarized light modulated by a rotating quarter-wave plate (QWP).
• Employed Fourier transform method to demodulate intensity data and calculate Stokes parameters.
• Constructed a correction model accounting for QWP retardance deviation (Δδ), fast axis angle deviation (Δα), and analyzing polarizer transmission axis alignment deviation (Δβ).

Main Results:

• The developed correction model reduced the relative deviation of Stokes parameters from 3.77% to less than 1.41%.
• Δδ and Δβ were determined as functions of their deviation magnitude.
• Experimental results demonstrated a significant improvement in the accuracy of detecting calibration reference source polarization states.

Conclusions:

• The proposed deviation correction model substantially enhances the accuracy of polarization state detection for calibration reference light sources.
• The methodology is applicable to improving the precision of polarized optical remote sensor calibration.
• This research contributes to more reliable remote sensing data acquisition and target characteristic analysis.