A method for obtaining the full field of view Mueller matrix of optical systems by fitting the Orientation Zernike Polynomial parameters

Abstract

Polarization imaging technology expands the dimensions of the object and enriches its basic information compared to traditional imaging methods. During the imaging process, the polarization information of the object is changed by the aberration of the optical system, which affects the detection accuracy. In this article, we analyzed the Cassegrain system and the double Gaussian system. By using the Orientation Zernike Polynomial (OZP), we decomposed the system's diattenuation pupil and retardance pupil. We discovered a functional relationship between the OZP coefficients and the field of view. By fitting this relationship, we obtained the Mueller matrix for the full field of view. Compared to previous method of tracing a large number of polarized optical rays and integrating to obtain the Mueller matrix in optical software, this approach is more convenient and efficient. Furthermore, the obtained full-field Mueller matrix can provide theoretical guidance for the experimental calibration and system correction of optical system Mueller matrices.