Combined Stokes vector and Mueller matrix polarimetry for materials characterization.

A robust way of measuring the optical properties of any material is to interrogate it with light of different polarizations. The 16-element Mueller matrix provides the most complete description of the optical properties of a sample based on its ability to alter the polarization state of transmitted or reflected light. This is valuable for ordered and isotropic materials alike. Similarly, the 4-element Stokes vector is the most complete description of the polarization of a light beam, including any depolarization effects. While the Mueller matrix offers the most chemical and physical insight, the Stokes vectors are easier to obtain, and there are more schemes for measuring them quickly in situations where time resolution is important. We describe a method where any Stokes polarimeter may be adapted to obtain Mueller matrices and discuss various approaches for achieving better time resolution.