Design, optimization and realization of FLC based Stokes polarimeters and Mueller matrix ellipsometer using a genetic algorithm

TL;DR

This paper presents a genetic algorithm-based method for designing broadband Stokes polarimeters and Mueller matrix ellipsometers, improving performance and spectral range for hyperspectral imaging and spectroscopy.

Contribution

It introduces an optimized design approach using genetic algorithms for FLC-based polarimeters and ellipsometers, enhancing previous patented designs.

Findings

Improved spectral range and precision over previous designs

Successful realization of a two FLC-based polarimeter

Enhanced suitability for hyperspectral imaging

Abstract

The design of broad-band polarimeters with high performance is challenging due to the wavelength dependence of optical components. An efficient Genetic Algorithm (GA) computer code was recently developed in order to design and re-optimize complete broadband Stokes polarimeters and Mueller matrix ellipsometers (MME). Our results are improvements of previous patented designs based on two and three ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC), and are suited for broad-band hyperspectral imaging, or multichannel spectroscopy applications. We have realized and implemented one design using two FLCs and compare the spectral range and precision with previous designs.