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High stability double Stokes-Mueller polarimetry under oblique incidence
Optics Express
|June 11, 2026
Summary
This study presents a stable Double Stokes-Mueller polarimetry (DSMP) method for analyzing non-centrosymmetric materials under oblique incidence. The new technique significantly enhances measurement accuracy and stability, crucial for detailed microstructure investigations.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Metrology
Background:
- Double Stokes-Mueller polarimetry (DSMP) is vital for characterizing non-centrosymmetric materials.
- Oblique incidence in DSMP traditionally compromises measurement stability and accuracy.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively addressed the impact of oblique incidence on DSMP stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-stability DSMP system capable of accurate measurements under oblique incidence.
- To investigate and mitigate the accuracy degradation caused by oblique angles in polarimetric measurements.
- To provide a general framework for enhancing stability in various polarimetry techniques.
Main Methods:
- Extended 3D Jones matrices for polarization elements to account for oblique incidence.
- Established the instrument matrix for DSMP under oblique incidence by converting 3D Jones matrices to Mueller matrices.
- Utilized a genetic algorithm to minimize condition number (CN) metrics (average CN, range, and standard deviation) of the instrument matrix.
Main Results:
- Achieved significant reductions in average CN (50.72%), range (97.15%), and standard deviation (96.42%) within a pitch angle < 0.08π.
- Demonstrated substantially improved measurement stability under oblique incidence compared to conventional DSMP.
- Validated the instrument matrix consistency with established calculation and measurement conventions.
Conclusions:
- The developed high-stability DSMP effectively overcomes the limitations of oblique incidence.
- The methodology offers a generalizable approach to enhance stability in linear and nonlinear polarimetry.
- This work enables more precise sample observation and analysis in materials science and optics.
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