Polarizer calibration method for Mueller matrix polarimeters

We advance what we believe is a novel eigenvalue-based method for calibrating Mueller matrix polarimeters employing a single calibration optical components a polarizer. The method is potentially advantageous in high numerical aperture imaging or wide spectral range spectroscopic polarimetric configurations restricting or even prohibiting the standard use of a retarder as a second calibration component. (C) 2020 Optical Society of America