Analysis of depolarizing Mueller matrices through a symmetric decomposition.
A product decomposition of a depolarizing Mueller matrix consisting in the sequence of five factors-a diagonal depolarizer stacked between two retarder and diattenuator pairs-is proposed. This novel "symmetric" decomposition allows for a straightforward interpretation and parameterization of an experimentally determined Mueller matrix in terms of an arrangement of polarization devices and their characteristic parameters: diattenuations, retardances, and axis azimuths. Its application is illustrated on experimentally determined Mueller matrices.
Ossikovski
Razvigor
R
LPICM, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, 91128 Palaiseau, France. razvigor.ossikovski@polytechnique.edu