Performance of a four-channel polarimeter with low-light-level detection

Victor L. Gamiz

doi:10.1117/12.283869

3 October 1997 Performance of a four-channel polarimeter with low-light-level detection

Victor L. Gamiz

Proceedings Volume 3121, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.283869
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We examine the low light level performance of a four channel polarimeter with a single photon counting sensor associated with each channel. Specifically, we investigate how the detection noise propagates through the polarimeter calibration matrix and affects the estimation of each intensity and mutual phase retardance. The variance is derived for each of these quantities as a function of polarimeter design, detector read-out noise, and average detected photon-electron count. Based on these variances, a metric is defined which can be used to optimize the design of the polarimeter. A specific polarimeter design is examined for high and low light levels. Performance curves are shown for various polarization input parameters and light levels.

Citation Download Citation

Victor L. Gamiz "Performance of a four-channel polarimeter with low-light-level detection", Proc. SPIE 3121, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing, (3 October 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.283869

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