Title

Constraints on Mueller matrices of polarization optics

Authors

Alexander Kostinski, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Clark Givens, Michigan Technological University
John Kwiatkowski, Michigan Technological University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-20-1993

Abstract

The issue of physical realizability constraints on depolarizing scattering or imaging systems is addressed. In particular, the overpolarization problem, i.e., the problem of ensuring that the output degree of polarization is always smaller than (or equal to) unity, is discussed in detail. A set of necessary conditions for the elements of a Mueller matrix is derived. These conditions can be used to test the accuracy of polarimetric measurements and computations. Several recent experimental examples from polarization optics and radar are discussed.

Publisher's Statement

© 1993 Optical Society of America. Publisher’s version of record: https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.32.001646

Publication Title

Applied Optics

Recommended Citation

Kostinski, A., Givens, C., & Kwiatkowski, J. (1993). Constraints on Mueller matrices of polarization optics. Applied Optics, 32(9), 1646-1651. http://doi.org/10.1364/AO.32.001646
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/physics-fp/262