Rotating waveplate Stokes polarimeter using anisotropic transmittance in waveplate

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Polarimetry
• Waveplate Technology

Background:

• Rotating waveplate Stokes polarimeters are established techniques for polarization measurement.
• Traditional methods rely on analyzing specific harmonics of modulated detector signals.
• Calibration often requires complex procedures and specific light sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel signal model and calibration method for rotating waveplate Stokes polarimeters.
• To utilize an anisotropic-transmittance quarter waveplate for enhanced measurement capabilities.
• To simplify the calibration process and improve the accuracy of polarization state identification.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new signal model incorporating anisotropic transmittance.
• Implementation of a calibration method using only linearly polarized light.
• Experimental validation of the polarimeter with the anisotropic-transmittance waveplate.

Main Results:

• Anisotropic transmittance allows direct identification of light intensity and degree of polarization, eliminating the need for DC component measurement.
• Calibration is achievable using solely linearly polarized light, significantly simplifying the procedure.
• Experimental results demonstrated high accuracy, with a 95% confidence interval for error between 0% and 1.9%.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method using anisotropic-transmittance waveplates offers a simplified and accurate approach to Stokes polarimetry.
• This technique enhances the efficiency and accessibility of polarization measurements.
• The findings pave the way for more robust and user-friendly polarimetric instruments.