Single shot Mueller matrix polarimetry using axially symmetric quarter wave plate and channeled spectrum.

We present a theoretical method for single frame Mueller matrix polarimetry. The proposed technique combines the concept of channeled spectrum for spectral measurements and the property of achromatic axially symmetric quarter wave plate (AASQWP) for spatial measurements. A circular grating at the output ensures that the spectral information is spread out in the radial direction and the spatial birefringence information for a particular wavelength is spread out along the circumference with radius corresponding to the particular wavelength. The diffraction pattern from the circular grating therefore contains a wealth of information from which it is possible to evaluate all the elements of the Mueller matrix and for any desired wavelength contained in the broadband source illuminating the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]