Implementation of a complete Mueller matrix polarimeter using dual photoelastic modulators and rotating wave plates

Abstract

We propose a complete Mueller matrix polarimeter using dual photoelastic modulators and rotating half wave plates. The complete Mueller matrix of a sample is obtained by combining four partial Mueller matrices (nine elements each), by rotating the half wave plates in four different orientations. By considering the effect of retardance errors of the wave plates, a more general calibration method is developed. We demonstrate the accuracy of the system by measuring a Babinet–Soleil compensator and the scattering coefficient of an intralipid sample, whereas the depolarization characteristics is shown for different column density of intralipid. Simultaneous determination of optical rotation and depolarization is verified by conducting studies on glucose concentrations ranging from 0 to 400 mg/dl mixed with $$2\%$$ v/V intralipid.