Survey of methods for the complete determination of a state of polarization

Abstract

Various types of instruments capable of giving a complete polarization state measurement are reviewed. Included are those which employ adjustable combinations of a retarder and analyzer, continuously rotating elements, polarization-modulating elements, and interferometry. General comments are made regarding precision and accuracy, and specific comparisons are made on the basis of speed, ease of data reduction, spectral regions and range, and amenability to computer control. Applications of polarimeters are also reviewed briefly. They fall into two categories, depending on whether the light is supplied by the instrument or comes from outside the instrument; they include astronomical measurements, characterization of light sources, and the measurement of the polarization-altering properties (including depolarization) of optical systems. © 1976 SPIE.