Explore how polarization shapes optical measurements and radiometry
In this chapter of the Self-Study Manual on Optical Radiation Measurements, Part I: Concepts, you’ll learn how to include polarization rigorously using the Stokes vector and Mueller matrices. The book discusses the Mueller matrices of common polarizing components and how to measure the Stokes components and the Mueller transmittance matrix elements. It also highlights practical topics such as radiometer calibrations, depolarizers, and the characterization of Polaroid-type polarizers.
- Understand the role of polarization in radiometric measurements
- Learn how Mueller matrices and Stokes vectors model optical components and detectors
- See methods for calibrating radiometers and measuring polarization properties
- Discover approaches to depolarization and polarization-insensitive detection
Ideal for students and professionals working in optics, radiometry, and polarization analysis who want a solid, theory-grounded, and measurement-focused guide to polarization in optical radiation.