Dynamic photometric imaging polarizer-sample-analyzer polarimeter: instrument for mapping birefringence and optical rotation

An imaging dynamic photopolarimeter in an optical configuration P(alpha )SA (n) (polarizer-sample-analyzer) having harmonically rotating polarizer (P) and analyzer (A), is presented for studies of inhomogeneous birefringent me dia. The method is capable of simple and precise measuring of birefringence and optical rotation across a two-dimensional held. Although the basic pri nciple upon which the method operates has been proposed earlier, the focus here is on its extension, applicable to a whole field, and immediate measur ement of three optical parameters, which have direct physical meaning. Earl ier versions of the instrument either operate with a single beam or measure components of Jones or Mueller matrices. The operation of the given method is consistent with a general idea of dynamic photopolarimetry by discrete Fourier analysis and entails digital procession of intensity images, obtain ed at nine equispaced positions of the polarizer and the analyzer during sy nchronous rotation of them. A technique of data acquisition is described, a nd a detailed error analysis is provided. Theoretical considerations are su pplemented with testing measurements of a quartz phase plate. (C) 2001 Opti cal Society of America.