Analysis of depolarizing Mueller matrices through a symmetric decomposition

A product decomposition of a depolarizing Mueller matrix consisting in the sequence of five factors-a diagonal depolarizer stacked between two retarder and diattenuator pairs-is proposed. This novel symmetric decomposition allows for a straightforward interpretation and parameterization of an experimentally determined Mueller matrix in terms of an arrangement of polarization devices and their characteristic parameters: diattenuations, retardances, and axis azimuths. Its application is illustrated on experimentally determined Mueller matrices. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America