Noise analysis in Stokes parameter reconstruction for division-of-focal-plane polarimeters

The division-of-focal-plane (DoFP) polarimeter can quickly and effectively obtain the polarization information of light in real time, where Stokes parameter reconstruction is a critical issue. Many reconstruction methods have been proposed to address this; however, their performance tends to degrade in the presence of noise. Thus, it is significant to clarify the noise-induced error in Stokes parameter reconstruction. In this work, we investigate the link between the noise-introduced error and the reconstruction method and develop a simple and effective way to evaluate the noise robustness of reconstruction methods. Furthermore, a novel experimental scheme of noise measurement, to the best of our knowledge, is designed to verify the theory. Based on the criterion, our scheme guides the selection of reconstruction methods and further promotes the practical application of the DoFP technique. (C) 2022 Optica Publishing Group