Error analysis and optimization for a full-Stokes division-of-space polarimeter

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Polarimetry
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate polarization measurement is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications.
• Existing division-of-space (DoSP) polarimeter designs face challenges with error propagation.
• Comprehensive error analysis is needed for optimizing polarimetric instrument performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a generalized error propagation model for four-channel, full-Stokes DoSP systems.
• To evaluate the performance of a division-of-amplitude polarimeter (DoAmP) using the developed model.
• To identify optimal parameter configurations for minimizing measurement errors in polarimeters.

Main Methods:

• Development of a generalized four-channel, full-Stokes DoSP error propagation model.
• Inclusion of detector noise, intensity fluctuations, and instrument matrix errors in the model.
• Optimization of a division-of-amplitude polarimeter (DoAmP) structure, including PPBS and wave plate azimuth.

Main Results:

• Identified optimal DoAmP configurations with a condition number of 1.84.
• Achieved limited wavelength deviation range (-3.4 nm, 3.62 nm).
• Ensured degree of polarization and polarized angle errors below 0.03 and 0.3°, respectively, with negligible instrument matrix effects.

Conclusions:

• The developed error propagation model effectively evaluates and optimizes DoSP polarimeter performance.
• Optimal configurations significantly reduce polarization measurement errors.
• The model is extensible to other DoSP architectures, guiding future instrument design and multi-wavelength compatibility.