Ghost polarimetry with a spatial light modulator for creation of structured illumination patterns

Subject of study. The spatial distribution of polarization properties for objects with linear dichroism is studied. Aim of study. A ghost polarimetry system using a spatial light modulator to measure the optical fields illuminating an object with linear dichroism is developed. Method. Ghost polarimetry is used to measure the integral intensity of radiation passing through an object. The intensity correlation functions are numerically calculated for two orthogonally polarized sets of optical fields for subsequent calculation of the modulus of the anisotropy azimuth for an object with linear dichroism. Main results. A ghost polarimetry device using a spatial light modulator is developed to measure the characteristics of structured optical fields. Images showing the polarization properties of three objects with linear dichroism are obtained. Practical significance. Ghost polarimetry has several advantages over traditional methods of obtaining polarization images when imaging objects with low radiation intensity, when imaging in high-turbulence environments, or when imaging in spectral ranges for which traditional measuring instruments are expensive or unavailable. The inclusion of a spatial light modulator in the ghost polarimetry device means it is no longer necessary to record the fields generated. This modification will enable the characteristics of optical fields for specific objects to be varied for microbiological and medical research. (c) 2024 Optica Publishing Group