Polarimetric Standardization

TL;DR

This paper reviews the fundamental concepts of polarimetric measurements in astronomy and proposes a standardized protocol for measuring polarized radiation to improve consistency in the field.

Contribution

It introduces a standardized measurement protocol for polarized radiation, addressing the lack of uniform guidelines in astronomical polarimetry.

Findings

Clarifies the physical significance of Stokes parameters

Proposes a standard measurement protocol for polarization

Aims to unify polarimetric data reporting in astronomy

Abstract

The use of polarimetric techniques is nowadays widespread among solar and stellar astronomers. However, notwithstanding the recommandations that have often been made about the publication of polarimetric results in the astronomical literature, we are still far from having a standard protocol on which to conform. In this paper we review the basic definitions and the physical significance of the Stokes parameters, and we propose a standardization of the measurement of polarized radiation.