Generalized theory and application of Stokes parameter measurements made with a single photoelastic modulator.

We report in this paper a generalized theory that describes the interaction between a monochromatic light beam and an optical system that includes one photoelastic modulator, one analyzer, and one photodetector. Based on the theory, a detailed four-step procedure is presented, which allows a precise measurement of the four Stokes parameters. An analysis of the systematic and random errors arising from the four-step measurements is also given as well as a calibration procedure that involves the use of a general retardation plate. As a practical application the procedure is used to analyze the magneto-optical properties of magnetic thin films grown on GaAs(001) substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]