Single-pixel polarimetric imaging spectrometer by compressive sensing

Abstract

We present an optical system that performs polarimetric spectral imaging with a detector with no spatial resolution. This fact is possible by applying the theory of compressive sampling to the data acquired by a sensor composed of an analyzer followed by a commercial fiber spectrometer. The key element in the measurement process is a digital micromirror device, which sequentially generates a set of intensity light patterns to sample the object image. For different configurations of the analyzer, we obtain polarimetric images that provide information about the spatial distribution of light polarization at several spectral channels. Experimental results for colorful objects are presented in a spectral range that covers the visible spectrum and a part of the NIR range. The performance of the proposed technique is discussed in detail, and further improvements are suggested.