Error analysis and compensation for a discrete dual rotating retarder Mueller matrix polarimeter

Abstract

In this work, the error sources that affect a dual rotating retarder polarimeter working in a discrete rotation scheme are studied. Moreover, those errors not sufficiently analyzed in the literature are addressed in detail. To this end, the equations necessary for characterizing its components, performing its calibration, and carrying out measurements are deduced. We also discuss strategies to perform the experimental implementation, correct the existing errors, and estimate the margin of uncertainty associated with those errors that cannot be corrected. The study developed in this work allows us to generate a polarimeter with an error margin of 0.2%, almost an order of magnitude below recently reported values.