Compact simultaneous full-Stokes vector polarimeter based on micro-retarder arrays

Abstract

The polarimeter is an important tool to measure polarization properties in the living human eye, to discriminate between benign and malignant moles, to measure the solar magnetic field, and so on. In this paper, we propose a new compact full-Stokes vector polarimeter to measure the full-Stokes vector simultaneously, which employs micro-retarder arrays to replace the traditional movable or adjustable wave plate. Because of its compact structure, this polarimeter we propose can be used in different systems or for different observation aims, and it also can be used in a large wavelength range. We have validated the feasibility of the proposed method by analytic and numeric methods, and the results show that we can get the full-Stokes parameters simultaneously from one single image frame caught by this polarimeter.