In situ holistic optimization method for a collinear reflection Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Polarimetry
• Imaging Science

Background:

• Collinear reflection Mueller matrix imaging polarimeters (CRMMIP) are crucial for analyzing polarization properties.
• Traditional CRMMIP optimization methods often ignore non-polarization modulating elements, compromising instrument stability.
• This leads to inaccuracies in polarization state measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an in situ holistic optimization method for CRMMIP.
• To improve the stability and accuracy of CRMMIP by accounting for all optical components.
• To address the limitations of traditional methods that neglect non-polarization modulation elements.

Main Methods:

• Proposing an in situ method to determine Mueller matrices of non-polarization modulation elements (objectives, tube lenses, beam splitters).
• Integrating these Mueller matrices into a holistic instrument matrix model with polarization state generator and analyzer models.
• Utilizing the comprehensive model for optimizing a more stable instrument matrix.

Main Results:

• Simulations and experimental verification demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed holistic optimization method.
• The optimized CRMMIP exhibits enhanced stability compared to instruments optimized with traditional methods.
• Quantified the impact of dichroism and retardance in non-polarization modulation elements on instrument stability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed in situ holistic optimization method significantly improves CRMMIP stability.
• Accounting for the polarization characteristics of all optical elements is essential for accurate polarimetric imaging.
• This approach provides a more robust framework for developing high-performance Mueller matrix imaging polarimeters.