Assessing consistency of a Mueller matrix measurement by rotation of the sample under test

摘要

We present a method for checking the consistency of a Mueller matrix measurement. The method is based upon the rotational properties of a Mueller matrix. An anisotropic sample is placed in the polarimeter in a precision rotation stage. The Mueller matrix is then measured as a function of sample rotation. Each Mueller matrix is then transformed by matrix rotation back into the Mueller matrix at zero angle. The consistency between these resulting matrices is then taken as an indication of measurement uncertainties. The method is demonstrated with two different samples measured on two different polarimeters.