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.
© 1993 Optical Society of America
Full Article | PDF ArticleMore Like This
Rafael Espinosa-Luna
Appl. Opt. 46(24) 6047-6054 (2007)
Alexander B. Kostinski
Appl. Opt. 31(18) 3506-3508 (1992)
B. N. Simon, S. Simon, N. Mukunda, F. Gori, M. Santarsiero, R. Borghi, and R. Simon
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 27(2) 188-199 (2010)