In situ holistic optimization method for a collinear reflection Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter

In this paper, we propose an in situ holistic optimization method for a collinear reflection Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter (CRMMIP). Traditional instrument matrix optimization approaches for CRMMIP have often neglected the polarization characteristics of non-polarization modulation elements, such as objectives, tube lenses, and beam splitters, leading to reduced instrument stability. To address this limitation, our method allows in situ determination of the Mueller matrices of non-polarization modulation elements, which are then combined with the instrument matrices model of the polarization state generator and analyzer to construct a holistic instrument matrix model. The improved model is used to optimize a more stable instrument matrix. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulations and experimental verification. Additionally, we discuss the effects of dichroism and retardance in non-polarization modulation elements on instrument stability.