Stokes imaging spectropolarimeter based on channeled polarimetry with full-resolution spectra and aliasing reduction

A Stokes channeled interference imaging spectropolarimeter with full-resolution spectra and aliasing reduction is presented. The sensor uses a Wollaston prism, a Savart polariscope, and a linear analyzer as a birefringent interferometer, along with two high-order retarders to incorporate channeled polarimetry employing a tempo-spatially mixed modulated mode with no internal moving parts and offering a robust system. The performance of the system is verified through laboratory tests. Compared with the previous sensors, the most significant advantage of the described instrument is that the reconstructed spectra retain the resolution of the interferometer, and the errors in the reconstructed spectral resolved polarization state caused by aliasing between the interference channels are suppressed effectively. Additionally, the advantages of the interferometer are maintained, such as compact structure and high optical throughput. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America