Calibration of spatially modulated snapshot imaging polarimeter based on phase-shift interferometry

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Polarimetry
• Image Science

Background:

• Snapshot imaging polarimeters (SIPs) are increasingly popular for acquiring all four Stokes parameters in a single measurement using spatial modulation.
• Current calibration methods for SIPs struggle to extract essential modulation phase factors in spatially modulated systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel calibration technique for spatially modulated snapshot imaging polarimeters (SIPs).
• To address the limitations of existing methods in extracting modulation phase factors for SIPs.

Main Methods:

• A calibration technique based on phase-shift interference (PSI) theory is proposed.
• The method involves measuring a reference object at various polarization analyzer orientations.
• A PSI algorithm is employed to accurately extract and demodulate modulation phase factors.

Main Results:

• The proposed PSI-based calibration technique successfully extracts modulation phase factors.
• Feasibility demonstrated through numerical simulations and laboratory experiments using a modified Savart polariscope SIP.
• Accurate extraction and demodulation of phase factors were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed phase-shift interference (PSI) calibration technique offers an effective solution for spatially modulated snapshot imaging polarimeters (SIPs).
• This work presents a novel approach for calibrating SIPs, improving their measurement accuracy.
• The findings provide a new perspective for the calibration of advanced polarimetric imaging systems.