Variable waveplate-based polarimeter for polarimetric metrology

Polarimetry is an optical technique currently used in many research fields as biomedicine, polarimetric metrology or material characterization, where the knowledge of the state of polarization of light beams and the polarizing properties of polarizing samples is required. As a consequence, in such as applications it is necessary to use polarimeters which by means of radiomentric measurements, lead to the obtaining of some important polarimetric information. As is known, polarimeters include a state of polarization detector (PSD), which is typically formed by combinations of waveplates and polarizers. Then, intensity measurements corresponding to the projection of the analyzed state of polarization upon different configurations of the PSD used, leads to the determination of the polarimetric properties of light beams. Here, we have studied and optimized a polarimeter based on PSD system containing two electronically variable retardance waveplates. The variable waveplates are based on the Liquid Crystal Display technology, allowing the implementation of a complete polarimeter without mechanical movements.