Spectral modulation for full linear polarimetry

Physics-guided neural network for channeled spectropolarimeter spectral reconstruction

A reconstruction method incorporates the complete physical model into a traditional deep neural network (DNN) is proposed for channeled spectropolarimeter (CSP). Unlike traditional DNN-based methods that need to employ training datasets, the method starts from randomly initialized parameters which are constrained by the CSP physical model. It iterates through the gradient descent algorithm to obtain the estimation of the DNN parameters and then to obtain the mapping relationship. As a result, it eliminates the need for thousands of sets of ground truth data, while also leveraging the physical model to achieve high-precision reconstruction. As seen, the physical model participates in the optimization process of DNN parameters, thus achieving physical guidance for the DNN output results. Based on the characteristic of the network, we designate this method as the physics-guided neural network (PGNN). Both simulations and experiments demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method. Our approach will further promote the practical application of CSP in a wider range of fields.

Hybrid spatial-temporal Mueller matrix imaging spectropolarimeter for high throughput plant phenotyping

Many correlations exist between spectral reflectance or transmission with various phenotypic responses from plants. Of interest to us are metabolic characteristics, namely, how the various polarimetric components of plants may correlate to underlying environmental, metabolic, and genotypic differences among different varieties within a given species, as conducted during large field experimental trials. In this paper, we overview a portable Mueller matrix imaging spectropolarimeter, optimized for field use, by combining a temporal and spatial modulation scheme. Key aspects of the design include minimizing the measurement time while maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio by mitigating systematic error. This was achieved while maintaining an imaging capability across multiple measurement wavelengths, spanning the blue to near-infrared spectral region (405-730 nm). To this end, we present our optimization procedure, simulations, and calibration methods. Validation results, which were taken in redundant and non-redundant measurement configurations, indicated that the polarimeter provides average absolute errors of (5.3±2.2)×10^-3 and (7.1±3.1)×10^-3, respectively. Finally, we provide preliminary field data (depolarization, retardance, and diattenuation) to establish baselines of barren and non-barren Zea maize hybrids (G90 variety), as captured from various leaf and canopy positions during our summer 2022 field experiments. Results indicate that subtle variations in retardance and diattenuation versus leaf canopy position may be present before they are clearly visible in the spectral transmission.

Channeled spectropolarimeter with arbitrary retarder orientation settings

A channeled spectropolarimeter can simultaneously obtain intensity, spectral, and polarization information. In the traditional model, the retarders must be oriented at specific angles. However, misalignments of the retarders are inevitable during assembly, and the status of the retarders is sensitive to environmental perturbations, which affects the performance of the channeled spectropolarimeter. In this study, a general channeled spectropolarimeter model was derived, in which the retarder orientations can be arbitrary and unknown. Meanwhile, the system is unaffected by environmental perturbation because it can self-calibrate to avoid fluctuations in the retarder orientations and phase retardations. The effectiveness and robustness of the model were verified through simulations and experiments.

Convolutional neural network-based spectrum reconstruction solver for channeled spectropolarimeter

Channeled spectropolarimetry is a snapshot technique for measuring the spectra of Stokes parameters of light by demodulating the measured spectrum. As an indispensable part of the channeled spectropolarimeter, the spectrometer module is far from being perfect to reflect the real modulation spectrum, which further reduces the polarimetric reconstruction accuracy of the channeled spectropolarimeter. Since the modulation spectrum is composed of many continuous narrow-band spectra with high frequency, it is a challenging work to reconstruct it effectively by existing methods. To alleviate this issue, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based spectral reconstruction solver is proposed for channeled spectropolarimeter. The key idea of the proposed method is to first preprocess the measured spectra using existing traditional methods, so that the preprocessed spectra contain more spectral features of the real spectra, and then these spectral features are employed to train a CNN to learn a map from the preprocessed spectra to the real spectra, so as to further improve the reconstruction quality of the preprocessed spectra. A series of simulation experiments and real experiments were carried out to verify the effect of the proposed method. In simulation experiments, we investigated the spectral reconstruction accuracy and robustness of the proposed method on three synthetic datasets and evaluate the effect of the proposed method on the demodulation results obtained by the Fourier reconstruction method. In real experiments, system matrices are constructed by using measured spectra and reconstructed spectra respectively, and the spectra of Stokes parameters of incident light are estimated by the linear operator method. Several other advanced demodulation methods are also used to demodulate the measured spectrum in both simulation and real experiments. The results show that compared with other methods, the accuracy of the demodulation results can be much more improved by employing the CNN-based solver to reconstruct the measured spectrum.

Imaging polarimetry through metasurface polarization gratings

Metasurfaces-subwavelength arrays of phase-shifting elements-present new possibilities for polarization optics and polarimetry. In particular, a periodic, polarization-sensitive metasurface diffraction grating can enable full-Stokes imaging polarimetry with a single polarization-sensitive component. In this work, we show that a suitably-designed metasurface grating can serve as a polarimetric "attachment" to an existing intensity-only imaging system, converting it into one capable of full-Stokes imaging polarimetry. Design rules and tradeoffs governing this adaptation are described and demonstrated using a machine vision imaging system as an example.

Spectral-polarizing beam splitter for simultaneous polarimetric imaging in a common IFOV

A new, to the best of our knowledge, multi-purpose spectral-polarizing beam splitter (SPBS) design is described that simultaneously isolates multiple identical reflected and transmitted polarized passbands to permit passive simultaneous polarimetry in a common instantaneous field of view (FOV). The SPBS design can be implemented in wavelength regions between ∼260nm and ∼1700nm and consists of fewer than 30 layers. Degree of linear polarization values are ∼0.99. FOV area coverage in a swath as wide as 6° is accomplished by object space scanning. A polarization calibrator/stability monitor source is integrated with the optical system. Estimated system polarimetric error is <2%. Applications range from biomedical instrumentation to remote sensing.

Snapshot spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimetry based on spectral modulation with increased channel bandwidth

This paper presents a snapshot spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimetry based on spectral modulation. The polarization state generator consists of a linear polarizer in front of two high-order retarders, and the polarization state analyzer is formed by two non-polarization beam splitters incorporated with three high-order retarder/linear analyzer pairs. It can simultaneously generate three modulated spectra used for reconstructing the 16 spectroscopic Mueller elements of the sample. Since each of the modulated spectra produces seven separate channels equally spaced in the Fourier domain, the channel bandwidth can be enhanced efficiently compared with the conventional spectrally modulated spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimetry. The feasibility of the proposed spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimetry is demonstrated by the experimental measurement of an achromatic quarter-wave plate.

Efficient calibration method of total polarimetric errors in a channeled spectropolarimeter

An efficient calibration method of total polarimetric errors in a channeled spectropolarimeter (CSP) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Total polarimetric errors, including alignment and retardance errors as well as those caused by nonideal retarders and the polarizer in CSP, are considered and calibrated. We first construct the calibrated modulation matrix of CSP by directly measuring the Mueller matrix spectrum of the polarization module in CSP. Compared to previously reported calibration works that required 1074 measurements, our calibration requires only 16 individual measurements, which reduces the measurement time by 67-fold while ensuring high accuracy with a maximum rms error less than 0.02. Further experimental test on three types of different CSP systems confirms the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of the proposed calibration method.

Spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimeter based on spectro-temporal modulation

A spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimeter based on spectro-temporal modulation with a compact, low-cost, and birefringent crystal-based configuration has been developed. The polarization state generator and polarization state analyzer in the system consists of a polarizer in front of two high-order retarders with equal thickness and a rotating achromatic quarter wave-plate followed by a fixed analyzer, respectively. It can acquire the 16 spectroscopic elements of the Mueller matrix in broadband with a faster measurement speed than that of the conventional spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimeter based on a dual-rotating retarder. In addition, the spectral polarization modulation provided by the polarization state generator can produce five separate channels in the Fourier domain, which leads to a larger bandwidth of each channel than that of the existing spectral modulated spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimeters. Experiment on the measurements of an achromatic quarter-wave plate oriented at different azimuths and SiO₂ thin films deposited on silicon wafers with different thicknesses are carried out to show the feasibility of the developed spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimeter.

Spectral-temporal hybrid modulation for channeled spectropolarimetry

Channeled spectropolarimeters (CSPs) are capable of estimating spectrally resolved Stokes parameters from a single modulated spectrum. However, channel crosstalk and subsequent spectral resolution loss reduce the reconstruction accuracy and limit the systems' scope of application. In this paper, we propose a spectral-temporal modulation strategy with the aim of extending channel bandwidth and improving reconstruction accuracy by leveraging the hybrid carriers and allocating channels in the two-dimensional Fourier domain that yield optimal performance. The scheme enables spectral bandwidth and temporal bandwidth to be traded off, and provides flexibility in selecting demodulation strategies based on the features of the input. We present an in-depth comparison of different systems' performances in various input features under the presence of noise. Simulation results show that the hybrid-modulation strategy offers the best comprehensive performance as compared to the conventional CSP and dual-scan techniques.

Passive UV imaging polarimeter

The static polarimeter concept has a design and application flexibility potentially covering spectral ranges from <220nm to ∼2500nm. The original breadboard model of the passive UV polarimeter with sensitivity to 260 nm included elliptical analysis for general application such as biomedical, industrial, and commercial technology. It was adapted to be responsive to atmospheric and oceanic science and exoatmospheric planetary missions to provide linear polarization-resolved imagery in four spectral passbands between ∼415nm and ∼340nm in 5^∘×10^∘ fields of view. Simultaneous polarimetry is collected without electro-optical or mechanically moving or birefringent modulation of retardance. The compact, lightweight, rugged architecture uses instead stable thin-film components with low systematic instrumental polarization to provide high polarimetric accuracy. An internal polarization calibrator/stability monitor subsystem provides in-flight corrections for differential errors that might be induced by external environmental stresses.

Mantis: an all-sky visible-to-near-infrared hyper-angular spectropolarimeter

In this paper, we introduce and present first results from Mantis, a pushbroom type spectropolarimeter recently acquired by the Naval Research Laboratory and built by Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc. The instrument is designed for high spatial and spectral resolution polarimetric imaging of downwelling skylight. Linear Stokes vectors are acquired over the spectral range of 382-1017 nm, with ≈0.64nm channel spacing, and each line scan consists of 2226 pixels over a 72° field of view (0.75 mrad instantaneous). Measurement of the full sky dome is achieved through the use of a high-precision motorized pan-tilt unit and systematic scanning. An automated Sun shade allows for data collection in the main solar plane without saturation of the focal plane. The uncertainty in the degree of linear polarization varies between 0.07% and 0.5%, depending on incidence angle and wavelength. The total radiometric uncertainty is 2.07% to 2.5%, of which 2% is absolute calibration error. Preliminary data analysis reveals the instrument has a large potential for remote sensing applications.

Imaging dynamic scenes with a spatio-temporally channeled polarimeter

Most channeled polarimeters modulate the intensity in a single independent domain such as space, time, or wavenumber. Recently we proposed and modeled a concept for a system modulated simultaneously in space and time [Opt. Lett.43, 2768 - 2771 (2018)] and demonstrated that superior performance could be obtained by trading off spatial and temporal bandwidth in the system. Here we present results from a prototype realization of such a system and demonstrate quantitatively that the spatial modulation transfer function of the imager can be improved by choosing the appropriate modulation strategy for a given scene spatial and temporal bandwidth. We demonstrate that a hybrid modulation system can achieve the high spatial frequency performance of a time modulated system for static scenes, or it can achieve the high temporal frequency performance of a spatially modulated system for rapidly varying scenes, and it can out perform both systems for scenes with intermediate bandwidth in both domains. Moreover, the physical system implementation is essentially the same for each system type, which in principle allows the reconstruction strategy to be selected in real-time by choosing the appropriate reconstruction filters.

SPEX airborne spectropolarimeter calibration and performance

To improve our understanding of the complex role of aerosols in the climate system and on air quality, measurements are needed of optical and microphysical aerosol. From many studies, it has become evident that a satellite-based multiangle, multiwavelength polarimeter will be essential to provide such measurements. Here, high accuracy (∼0.003) on the degree of linear polarization (DoLP) measurements is important to retrieve aerosol properties with an accuracy needed to advance our understanding of the aerosol effect on climate. SPEX airborne, a multiangle hyperspectral polarimeter, has been developed for observing and characterizing aerosols from NASA's high-altitude research aircraft ER-2. It delivers measurements of radiance and DoLP at visual wavelengths with a spectral resolution of 3 and 7-30 nm, respectively, for radiance and polarization, at nine fixed equidistant viewing angles from -56° to +56° oriented along the ground track, and a swath of 7° oriented across-track. SPEX airborne uses spectral polarization modulation to determine the state of linear polarization of scattered sunlight. This technique has been developed in the Netherlands and has been demonstrated with ground-based instruments. SPEX airborne serves as a demonstrator for a family of space-based SPEX instruments that have the ability to measure and characterize atmospheric aerosol by multiangle hyperspectral polarimetric imaging remotely from a satellite platform. SPEX airborne was calibrated radiometrically and polarimetrically using Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) facilities including the Polarization Stage Generator-2 (PSG-2), which is designed for polarimetric calibration and validation of the Airborne Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager (AirMSPI). Using the PSG-2, the accuracy of the SPEX airborne DoLP measurements in the laboratory setup is found to be 0.002-0.004. Radiometric calibration is realized with an estimated accuracy of 4%. In 2017, SPEX airborne took part in the "Aerosol Characterization from Polarimeters and Lidar" campaign on the ER-2 that included four polarimeters and two lidars. Polarization measurements of SPEX airborne and the coflying Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP), recorded during the campaign, were compared and display root-mean-square (RMS) differences ranging from 0.004 (at 555 nm) up to 0.02 (at 410 nm). For radiance measurements, excellent agreement between SPEX airborne and RSP is obtained with an RMS difference of ∼4%. The lab- and flight-performance values for polarization are similar to those recently published for AirMSPI, where also an intercomparison with RSP was made using data from field campaigns in 2013. The intercomparison of radiometric and polarimetric data both display negligible bias. The in-flight comparison results provide verification of SPEX airborne's capability to deliver high-quality data.

Low crosstalk polarization-difference channeled imaging spectropolarimeter using double-Wollaston prism

A polarization-difference channeled imaging spectropolarimeter (PDCISP) using double-Wollaston prism is presented. It enables simultaneous acquisition of a set of three-channel interferograms corresponding to orthogonal polarization modulation. This brings a large range expanding of optical path difference for useful channels, and the major limitation of channeled spectropolarimetry (CSP), namely the channel crosstalk, can be greatly suppressed by using interferogram difference processing. As a result, full resolution intensity spectrum, as well as high-resolution polarimetric signatures, can be obtained with fewer reconstruction errors, compared to conventional CSP-based systems. The PDCISP is insensitive to alignment errors of retarders and maintains the snapshot feature (1D spatial imaging). The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by the simulation results.

Phase-shifting interferometry-based Fourier transform channeled spectropolarimeter

Channeled spectropolarimetry is a snapshot technique for measuring the spectral dependence of the state of polarization of light. However, it suffers from two major limitations, namely, its high sensitivity to environmental perturbations and its susceptibility to channel crosstalk. These limitations reduce the polarimetric reconstruction accuracy of the spectropolarimeter. A new calibration technique for channeled spectropolarimetry is presented that utilizes the concept of phase-shifting interferometry to accurately acquire and demodulate the retardation phase factors, thereby improving the accuracy of the Stokes data reconstruction as well as enabling more robust performance. The new technique also enables the acquisition of high-resolution intensity spectrum by adopting a dual-scan measurement technique for reducing crosstalk. Experimental results show that calibrations using phase-shifting interferometry yield higher data reconstruction accuracy as compared to the self-calibration technique.

Classical polarimetry with a twist: a compact, geometric approach

We present an approach to classical polarimetry that requires no moving parts, is compact and robust, and that encodes the complete polarization information on a single data frame, accomplished by replacing the rotation of components such as wave plates with position along a spatial axis. We demonstrate the concept with a polarimeter having a quarter wave plate whose fast axis direction changes with location along one axis of a 2D data frame in conjunction with a fixed-direction polarization analyzer, analogous to a classical rotating quarter wave plate polarimeter. The full set of Stokes parameters is obtained, with maximal sensitivity to circular polarization Stokes V if a quarter wave retarder is used. Linear and circular polarization terms are encoded with spatial carrier frequencies that differ by a factor two, which minimizes cross-talk. Other rotating component polarimeters lend themselves to the approach. Since the polarization modulation spatial frequencies do not change greatly, if at all, with wavelength such devices are close to achromatic, simplifying instrument design. Since the polarimetric information is acquired in a single observation, rapidly varying, transient and moving targets are accessible, loss of precision due to sequential data acquisition is avoided, and moving parts are not required.

Adaptive correction of retardations with immunity to alignment errors for a channeled spectropolarimeter

Retardation errors of high-order retarders will decrease the accuracy of a channeled spectropolarimeter. Taniguchi et al. have proposed a self-calibration method to calibrate the retardations [Opt. Lett.31, 3279 (2006)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.31.003279]; however, they do not take into account the inevitable alignment errors of high-order retarders. In this paper, an adaptive correction method with immunity to alignment errors is proposed to reduce the effects of temperature variation on retardations. By separating and analyzing the amplitude terms and phase terms contained in the measurement data, the phase terms are utilized to correct the retardations, which makes the effectiveness of this adaptive correction method immune to the inevitable alignment errors of high-order retarders. The adaptive correction process can be accomplished in parallel to the measurement process without any auxiliary resources. The effectiveness and feasibility of this method is verified by simulations and experiments. The convenience and simplicity of the presented method make it extremely suitable for application on track.

Self-correction of alignment errors and retardations for a channeled spectropolarimeter

Alignment errors of birefringent retarders and retardation errors introduced by environmental perturbations can cause significant influences on reconstructed Stokes parameters for the channeled spectropolarimeter. In this paper, we propose what we believe is a novel self-correction model that is independent of input polarization parameters to reduce the effects of alignment errors and environmental perturbations. This self-correction method can realize calibration and compensation of alignment errors and retardations simultaneously by measuring the target light in orbit. Simulation results show that alignment errors and retardations can be calibrated accurately, and the reconstructed Stokes parameters by using the presented method are more precise than by using the traditional method. The validity and feasibility of the presented method are further confirmed through experiments in the presence of alignment errors and environmental perturbations.

Stokes imaging spectropolarimeter based on channeled polarimetry with full-resolution spectra and aliasing reduction

A Stokes channeled interference imaging spectropolarimeter with full-resolution spectra and aliasing reduction is presented. The sensor uses a Wollaston prism, a Savart polariscope, and a linear analyzer as a birefringent interferometer, along with two high-order retarders to incorporate channeled polarimetry employing a tempo-spatially mixed modulated mode with no internal moving parts and offering a robust system. The performance of the system is verified through laboratory tests. Compared with the previous sensors, the most significant advantage of the described instrument is that the reconstructed spectra retain the resolution of the interferometer, and the errors in the reconstructed spectral resolved polarization state caused by aliasing between the interference channels are suppressed effectively. Additionally, the advantages of the interferometer are maintained, such as compact structure and high optical throughput.

Reduction of the effects of angle errors for a channeled spectropolarimeter

Angle errors of high-order retarders will decrease the accuracy of a channeled spectropolarimeter. This paper presents an easily implemented and widely applicable method for reducing the effects of the angle errors. First, we theoretically derive a modified reconstruction model to express and analyze the effects of the angle errors. Based on the modified reconstruction model and current reference beam calibration technique, we put forward the modified reference beam calibration technique to reduce the effects of the angle errors. This method can calculate the angle errors by employing the amplitude terms, which have been ignored in the results of the current reference beam calibration. The effectiveness of the presented method is verified by numerical simulations, which show that the demodulated deviations of polarization parameters have been reduced by one order of magnitude. Experiments are further implemented to validate the proposed method. The convenience and wide applicability of the presented method make it suitable for regular correction of the instrument, especially for the case on track.

Tomographic polarization analyzer by polarization-mode-frequency mapping

A tomographic polarization analyzer is presented by polarization-mode-frequency mapping. Two orthogonal circularly polarized components of the unknown polarization state of light are converted to two orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes by a q-plate, and then the OAM modes are mapped to two frequencies by using time-varying spatial modulation. The polarization state of light can be retrieved by tomographic reconstruction of the temporal intensity signal collected by a photodetector. The time-varying spatial modulation can be achieved by either a programmable spatial device or a spinning object. Our method can directly measure the Jones matrix of light with high accuracy due to the high-volume time sampling.

Optimal design and performance metric of broadband full-Stokes polarimeters with immunity to Poisson and Gaussian noise

In this paper, the design, optimization and analysis of broadband full-Stokes polarimeters with immunity to both Poisson and Gaussian noise are presented. Different from the commonly-used optimization metrics such as, the condition number (CN), the equally weighted variance (EWV), or the polarimetric modulation efficiency (PME) for Gaussian noise, the optimally balanced condition for Poisson noise (BCPN) is, for the first time, proposed and used as a metric for the optimization of polarimeters. The numerical results show that the polarimeters optimized with the BCPN have immunity to both Poisson and Gaussian noise. The broadband polarimeters optimized from the BCPN are achromatic and have similar polarimetric modulation properties over the waveband, in contrast to the polychromatic polarimeters optimized from the CN, EWV and PME, whose polarimetric modulation properties vary with wavelength.

Alignment errors calibration for a channeled spectropolarimeter

This paper presents a method to calibrate alignment errors for a channeled spectropolarimeter. A calibration model, including an alignment errors determination model and an alignment errors compensation model, is derived firstly. To determine the exact alignment errors of the high-order retarders and polarizer included in the spectropolarimeter, an auxiliary high-order retarder and a reference beam are used. The auxiliary high-order retarder does not affect the normal use of the spectropolarimeter and the polarization state of the reference beam needs not to be controlled accurately. Based on the determination results, the alignment errors are compensated by using a correction algorithm without any precise mechanical adjustments. Simulation results show that the alignment errors can be determined accurately and the errors of the reconstructed Stokes parameters due to the alignment errors are reduced effectively by the presented method. Finally, experimental results are summarized and analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the calibration method.

High throughput static channeled interference imaging spectropolarimeter based on a Savart polariscope

A high throughput static channeled interference imaging spectropolarimeter (CIISP) over 480-960nm spectral range is presented. The CIISP system includes two birefringent retarders and a Savart interferometer employing tempo-spatially mixed modulated mode with no internal moving parts, and offers a robust system and a high optical throughput to resist the instrument noise. The optical layout and operation of the CIISP sensor are presented in addition to the radiometric, spectral and improved polarimetric calibration techniques used with the system. The performance of the system is verified through laboratory tests, and the outdoor measurement demonstrates the sensor's ability for target identification, color measurement, and agriculture monitoring applications.

Design trade-off and proof of concept for LOUPE, the Lunar Observatory for Unresolved Polarimetry of Earth

We provide a proof of the technical feasibility of LOUPE, the first integral-field snapshot spectropolarimeter, designed to monitor the reflected flux and polarization spectrum of Earth. These are to be used as benchmark data for the retrieval of biomarkers and atmospheric and surface characteristics from future direct observations of exoplanets. We perform a design trade-off for an implementation in which LOUPE performs snapshot integral-field spectropolarimetry at visible wavelengths. We used off-the-shelf optics to construct a polarization modulator, in which polarization information is encoded into the spectrum as a wavelength-dependent modulation, while spatial resolution is maintained using a micro-lens array. The performance of this design concept is validated in a laboratory setup. Our proof-of-concept is capable of measuring a grid of 50 × 50 polarization spectra between 610 and 780 nm of a mock target planet - proving the merit of this design. The measurements are affected by systematic noise on the percent level, and we discuss how to mitigate this in future iterations. We conclude that LOUPE can be small and robust while meeting the science goals of this particular space application, and note the many potential applications that may benefit from our concept for doing snapshot integral-field spectropolarimetry.

Static spectropolarimeter concept adapted to space conditions and wide spectrum constraints

Issues related to moving elements in space and instruments working in broader wavelength ranges lead to the need for robust polarimeters that are efficient on a wide spectral domain and adaptable to space conditions. As part of the UVMag consortium, which was created to develop spectropolarimetric UV facilities in space, such as the Arago mission project, we present an innovative concept of static spectropolarimetry. We studied a static and polychromatic method for spectropolarimetry, which is applicable to stellar physics. Instead of temporally modulating the polarization information, as is usually done in spectropolarimeters, the modulation is performed in a spatial direction, orthogonal to the spectral one. Thanks to the proportionality between phase retardance imposed by a birefringent material and its thickness, birefringent wedges can be used to create this spatial modulation. The light is then spectrally cross dispersed, and a full Stokes determination of the polarization over the whole spectrum can be obtained with a single-shot measurement. The use of magnesium fluoride wedges, for example, could lead to a compact, static polarimeter working at wavelengths from 0.115 up to 7 μm. We present the theory and simulations of this concept as well as laboratory validation and a practical application to Arago.

Optimization of GRIN lens Stokes polarimeter

In a recent study we reported on the gradient index (GRIN) lens Stokes polarimeter (GLP) [Opt. Lett.39, 2656 (2014)10.1364/OL.39.002656OPLEDP0146-9592]. With a simple architecture, this polarimeter can measure the state of polarization in a single shot. In this article, we present further studies for improving the performance of the GLP. Detailed discussions are presented on the optimization process of the GLP based on different choices of data from the CCD images. It is pointed out that many optimization techniques, although developed for other types of Stokes polarimeters, can also be applied to the GLP because the GRIN lens can traverse all possible retardance and fast axis modulations.

Spectral line polarimetry with a channeled polarimeter

Channeled spectropolarimetry or spectral polarization modulation is an accurate technique for measuring the continuum polarization in one shot with no moving parts. We show how a dual-beam implementation also enables spectral line polarimetry at the intrinsic resolution, as in a classic beam-splitting polarimeter. Recording redundant polarization information in the two spectrally modulated beams of a polarizing beam-splitter even provides the possibility to perform a postfacto differential transmission correction that improves the accuracy of the spectral line polarimetry. We perform an error analysis to compare the accuracy of spectral line polarimetry to continuum polarimetry, degraded by a residual dark signal and differential transmission, as well as to quantify the impact of the transmission correction. We demonstrate the new techniques with a blue sky polarization measurement around the oxygen A absorption band using the groundSPEX instrument, yielding a polarization in the deepest part of the band of 0.160±0.010, significantly different from the polarization in the continuum of 0.2284±0.0004. The presented methods are applicable to any dual-beam channeled polarimeter, including implementations for snapshot imaging polarimetry.

Single-shot spatially modulated Stokes polarimeter based on a GRIN lens

A new polarimeter for the simultaneous measurement of all Stokes parameters in a single shot is presented. It consists of only a gradient index (GRIN) lens, a polarizer, an imaging lens, and a CCD, without mechanical movements, electrical signal modulation, or the division of amplitude components. This design takes advantage of the continuous spatial distributions of birefringence value and the fast axis direction of a GRIN lens and derives the state of polarization (SOP) of the incident beam from the characteristic patterns on the CCD images. Tests show that this polarimeter is very accurate even with low-resolution images. It is versatile and adapts to light sources of different wavelengths. It is also very stable, robust, low cost, and simple to use.

Athermalized channeled spectropolarimetry using a biaxial potassium titanyl phosphate crystal

Channeled spectropolarimeters measure the polarization state of light as a function of wavelength. Typically, a channeled spectropolarimeter uses high-order retarders made of uniaxial crystal to amplitude modulate the measured spectrum with the Stokes polarization information. A primary limitation of these instruments is the thermal variability of the retarders, which necessitates frequent system recalibration. Past work has addressed this issue by implementing an athermalized retarder produced from two uniaxial crystals. However, reducing the complexity of an athermalized retarder is advantageous for minimizing size and weight requirements. In this Letter, a technique for producing a thermally stable channeled spectropolarimeter using biaxial retarders is presented. This technique preserves a constant phase over an appreciable temperature range. Proof-of-concept results from a KTP-based athermal partial channeled spectropolarimeter are presented from 500 to 750 nm for temperature changes up to 26°C. Spectropolarimetric reconstructions produced from this system vary by <=2.6% RMS when the retarder experiences a 13°C increase in temperature above 21°C ambient, <=5.2% for a 20°C increase, and <=6.7% for a 26°C increase.

Compact and robust method for full Stokes spectropolarimetry

We present an approach to spectropolarimetry that requires neither moving parts nor time dependent modulation, and that offers the prospect of achieving high sensitivity. The technique applies equally well, in principle, in the optical, UV, or IR. The concept, which is one of those generically known as channeled polarimetry, is to encode the polarization information at each wavelength along the spatial dimension of a two-dimensional data array using static, robust optical components. A single 2D data frame contains the full polarization information and can be configured to measure either two or all of the Stokes polarization parameters. By acquiring full polarimetric information in a single observation, we simplify polarimetry of transient sources and in situations where the instrument and target are in relative motion. The robustness and simplicity of the approach, coupled with its potential for high sensitivity, and applicability over a wide wavelength range, is likely to prove useful for applications in challenging environments such as space.

Static hyperspectral imaging polarimeter for full linear Stokes parameters

A compact, static hyperspectral imaging linear polarimeter (HILP) based on a Savart interferometer (SI) is conceptually described. It improves the existing SI by replacing front polarizer with two Wollaston prisms, and can simultaneously acquire four interferograms corresponding to four linearly polarized lights on a single CCD. The spectral dependence of linear Stokes parameters can be recovered with Fourier transformation. Since there is no rotating or moving parts, the system is relatively robust. The interference model of the HILP is proved. The performance of the system is demonstrated through a numerical simulation, and the methods for compensating the imperfection of the polarization elements are described.

Infrared hyperspectral imaging polarimeter using birefringent prisms

A compact short-wavelength and middle-wavelength infrared hyperspectral imaging polarimeter (IHIP) is introduced. The sensor includes a pair of sapphire Wollaston prisms and several high-order retarders to form an imaging Fourier transform spectropolarimeter. The Wollaston prisms serve as a birefringent interferometer with reduced sensitivity to vibration versus an unequal path interferometer, such as a Michelson. Polarimetric data are acquired through the use of channeled spectropolarimetry to modulate the spectrum with the Stokes parameter information. The collected interferogram is Fourier filtered and reconstructed to recover the spatially and spectrally varying Stokes vector data across the image. The IHIP operates over a ±5° field of view and implements a dual-scan false signature reduction technique to suppress polarimetric aliasing artifacts. In this paper, the optical layout and operation of the IHIP sensor are presented in addition to the radiometric, spectral, and polarimetric calibration techniques used with the system. Spectral and spectropolarimetric results from the laboratory and outdoor tests with the instrument are also presented.

White light Sagnac interferometer for snapshot linear polarimetric imaging

The theoretical and experimental demonstration of a dispersion-compensated polarization Sagnac interferometer (DCPSI) is presented. An application of the system is demonstrated by substituting the uniaxial crystal-based Savart plate (SP) in K. Oka's original snapshot polarimeter implementation with a DCPSI. The DCPSI enables the generation of an achromatic fringe field in white-light, yielding significantly more radiative throughput than the original quasi-monochromatic SP polarimeter. Additionally, this interferometric approach offers an alternative to the crystal SP, enabling the use of standard reflective or transmissive materials. Advantages are anticipated to be greatest in the thermal infrared, where uniaxial crystals are rare and the at-sensor radiance is often low when compared to the visible spectrum. First, the theoretical operating principles of the Savart plate polarimeter and a standard polarization Sagnac interferometer polarimeter are provided. This is followed by the theoretical and experimental development of the DCPSI, created through the use of two blazed diffraction gratings. Outdoor testing of the DCPSI is also performed, demonstrating the ability to detect either the S(2) and S(3), or the S(1) and S(2) Stokes parameters in white-light.