Title

Real-time measurement of the polarization transfer function

Authors

Authors

M. Mujat;A. Dogariu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Appl. Optics

Keywords

OF-AMPLITUDE PHOTOPOLARIMETER; MUELLER MATRIX MEASUREMENT; HIGH-FREQUENCY MODULATION; LIGHT-SCATTERING; PHASE MODULATOR; ALUMINUM; LASER; BEAM; Optics

Abstract

We present a simple method for measuring the Mueller matrix associated with a scattering medium. Without involving moving parts, four input states of polarization are generated sequentially, and for each of them all four Stokes vector parameters are simultaneously measured for the complete determination of the Mueller matrix. Two liquid-crystal variable retarders are used for controlling the input state of polarization, whereas the measurement of the state of polarization involves phase modulation with a single-pass photoelastic modulator, and Fourier analysis in two polarization channels. The setup is controlled by a computer, allowing for real-time measurement of the Mueller matrix. The method is tested on standard elements such as polarizers and quarter-wave plates, as well as on inhomogeneous particulate systems. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 120.5410, 260.5430, 290.5850, 290.7050.

Journal Title

Applied Optics

Volume

40

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

34

Last Page

44

WOS Identifier

WOS:000166202800003

ISSN

1559-128X

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