Search Results (19)

Recent advancements in novel fiber-coupled and portable terahertz (THz) spectroscopic imaging technology have accelerated applications in nondestructive testing (NDT). Although the polarization information of THz waves can play a critical role in material characterization, there are few demonstrations of polarization-resolved THz imaging as an NDT modality due to the deficiency of such polarimetric imaging devices. In this paper, we have inspected industrial carbon fiber composites using a portable and handheld imaging scanner in which the THz polarizations of two orthogonal channels are simultaneously captured by two photoconductive antennas. We observed significant polarimetric differences between the two-channel images of the same sample and the resulting THz Stokes vectors, which are attributed to the anisotropic conductivity of carbon fiber composites. Using both polarimetric channels, we can visualize the superficial and underlying interfaces of the first laminate. These results pave the way for the future applications of THz polarimetry to the assessment of coatings or surface quality on carbon fiber-reinforced substrates. Full article

Polarimetry is used to determine the Stokes parameters of a laser beam. Once all four $S_{0,1,2,3}$ parameters are determined, the state of polarisation is established. Upon reflection of a laser beam with the defined S polarisation state, the directly measured S parameters can be used to determine the optical properties of the surface, which modify the S-state upon reflection. Here, we use polarimetry for the determination of surface anisotropies related to the birefringence and dichroism of different materials, which have a common feature of linear patterns with different alignments and scales. It is shown that polarimetry in the back-reflected light is complementary to ellipsometry and four-polarisation camera imaging; experiments were carried out using a microscope. Full article

Measurements of magnetic fields near seismic sources during solar flares are vital for understanding the dynamics of solar activity. We used spectropolarimetric observations of the X17.2/4B solar flare on 28 October 2003, over a wavelength interval of 43 Å, including the D3, D2, D1, and Ni I 5892.88 Å lines, to analyze the Stokes I ± V profiles. Effective magnetic fields within 0.5–1.5 kG were measured in the D1, D2, and D3 lines at different flare locations, with the photospheric Ni I 5892.88 Å line showing a weaker field of below 0.5 kG. The D3 line showed rapid plasma descents of up to 11 km/s, in contrast to the slower velocities within 2.3 km/s observed in other lines. The differing amplitudes in the I + V and I − V profiles indicated potential non-Zeeman polarization effects. Secondary Stokes V peaks were also detected up to 8 Å from the D3 emission core. Significant altitudinal inhomogeneity in the magnetic field strengths was detected, possibly indicating the local magnetic collapse, facilitating the Lorentz-force driven mechanism of the seismic source excitation. Full article

A four-polarisation camera was used to map the absorbance of olivine micro-grains before and after high-temperature annealing (HTA). It is shown that HTA of olivine xenoliths at above 1200 $°$C in O₂ flow makes them magnetised. Different modes of operation of the polariscope with polarisation control before and after the sample in transmission and reflection modes were used. The reflection type was assembled for non-transparent samples of olivine after HTA. The sample for optical observation in transmission was placed on an achromatic, plastic, quarter-wavelength waveplate as a sample holder. Inspection of the sample’s birefringence (retardance), as well as absorbance, was undertaken. The best fit for the transmitted intensity or transmittance T (hence, absorbance $A=-{log}_{10}T$) is obtainable using a simple best fit with only three orientations (from the four orientations measured by the camera). When the intensity of transmitted light at one of the orientations is very low due to a cross-polarised condition (polariser–analyser arrangement), the three-point fit can be used. The three-point fit in transmission and reflection modes was validated for $T\left(\theta \right)=Amp\times cos(2\theta -2{\theta }_{shift})+offset$, where the amplitude $Amp$, offset $offset$, and orientation azimuth ${\theta }_{shift}$ were extracted for each pixel via the best fit. Full article

The transformation of the state of polarization of a light beam via its linear interaction with a material medium can be modeled through the Stokes–Mueller formalism. The Mueller matrix associated with a given interaction depends on many aspects of the measurement configuration. In particular, different Mueller matrices can be measured for a fixed material sample depending on the spectral profile of the light probe. For a given light probe and a given sample with inhomogeneous spatial behavior, the polarimetric descriptors of the point-to-point Mueller matrices can be mapped, leading to respective polarimetric images. The procedure can be repeated sequentially using light probes with different central frequencies. In addition, the point-to-point Mueller matrices, consecutively measured, can be combined synthetically through convex sums leading to respective new Mueller matrices, in general with increased polarimetric randomness, thus exhibiting specific values for the associated polarimetric descriptors, including the indices of polarimetric purity, and generating new polarimetric images which are different from those obtained from the original Mueller matrices. In this work, the fundamentals for such synthetic generation of additional polarimetric images are described, providing a new tool that enhances the exploitation of Mueller polarimetry. Full article

Polarimetry, which seeks to measure the vectorial information of light modulated by objects, has facilitated bionic geolocation and navigation applications. It is a novel and promising field that provides humans with a remote sensing tool to exploit polarized skylight in a similar way to polarization-sensitive animals, and yet few in-depth reviews of the field exist. Beginning with biological inspirations, this review mainly focuses on the characterization, measurement, and analysis of vectorial information in polarimetry for bionic geolocation and navigation applications, with an emphasis on Stokes–Mueller formalism. Several recent breakthroughs and development trends are summarized in this paper, and potential prospects in conjunction with some cutting-edge techniques are also presented. The goal of this review is to offer a comprehensive overview of the exploitation of vectorial information for geolocation and navigation applications as well as to stimulate new explorations and breakthroughs in the field. Full article

Herein, we give an overview of several less explored structural and optical characterization techniques useful for biomaterials. New insights into the structure of natural fibers such as spider silk can be gained with minimal sample preparation. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) over a broad range of wavelengths (from X-ray to THz) provides information of the structure of the material at correspondingly different length scales (nm-to-mm). When the sample features, such as the alignment of certain fibers, cannot be characterized optically, polarization analysis of the optical images can provide further information on feature alignment. The 3D complexity of biological samples necessitates that there be feature measurements and characterization over a large range of length scales. We discuss the issue of characterizing complex shapes by analysis of the link between the color and structure of spider scales and silk. For example, it is shown that the green-blue color of a spider scale is dominated by the chitin slab’s Fabry–Pérot-type reflectivity rather than the surface nanostructure. The use of a chromaticity plot simplifies complex spectra and enables quantification of the apparent colors. All the experimental data presented herein are used to support the discussion on the structure–color link in the characterization of materials. Full article

Polarization measurement plays an important role in optical detection, communication, and imaging systems. Compact polarimetry with a wide angle of incident light will break the restrictions of the limited incident angle and improve its practicality. In this paper, a full Stokes vector polarimetry with a wide incident angle of ±20°, based on a two-dimensional metasurface, is proposed. According to the simulation results, the maximum measurement error of the Stokes vector at 20° oblique incidence is 0.09. The light transmittance of the proposed structure is higher than 83%. Moreover, the tilt angle of the incident light can be determined with a calculation error lower than 0.5°, according to the focusing position of the transmitted light on the focal plane. The operating wavelength of the proposed polarimetry is set to 530 nm of green light, which makes it a potential application in visible light communication and underwater optical systems. Full article

Jones–Stokes polarimetry is a robust in vitro polarimetric technique that can be used to investigate the anisotropic properties of a birefringent medium. The study of spatially resolved Jones matrix components of an object is a heuristic approach to extract its phase and polarization information. However, direct interpretation of Jones matrix elements and their decomposition into associated anisotropic properties of a sample is still a challenging research problem that needs to be investigated. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate combined Jones–Stokes polarimetry to investigate the amplitude, phase, and polarization modulation characteristics of a twisted nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator (TNLC-SLM). The anisotropic response of the SLM is calibrated for its entire grayscale range. We determine the inevitable anisotropic properties viz., diattenuation, retardance, isotropic absorption, birefringence, and dichroism, which are retrieved from the measured Jones matrices of the SLM using Jones polar decomposition and a novel algebraic approach for Jones matrix decomposition. The results of this study provide a complete polarimetric calibration of the SLM within the framework of its anisotropic characteristics. Full article

The manufacturing of high-quality extruded low-density polyethylene (PE) paperboard intended for the food packaging industry relies on manual, intrusive, and destructive off-line inspection by the process operators to assess the overall quality and functionality of the product. Defects such as cracks, pinholes, and local thickness variations in the coating can occur at any location in the reel, affecting the sealable property of the product. To detect these defects locally, imaging systems must discriminate between the substrate and the coating. We propose an active full-Stokes imaging polarimetry for the classification of the PE-coated paperboard and its substrate (before applying the PE coating) from industrially manufactured samples. The optical system is based on vertically polarized illumination and a novel full-Stokes imaging polarimetry camera system. From the various parameters obtained by polarimetry measurements, we propose implementing feature selection based on the distance correlation statistical method and, subsequently, the implementation of a support vector machine algorithm that uses a nonlinear Gaussian kernel function. Our implementation achieves $99.74\%$ classification accuracy. An imaging polarimetry system with high spatial resolution and pixel-wise metrological characteristics to provide polarization information, capable of material classification, can be used for in-process control of manufacturing coated paperboard. Full article

Canada’s successful space-based earth-observation (EO) radar program has earned widespread and expanding user acceptance following the launch of RADARSAT-1 in 1995. RADARSAT-2, launched in 2007, while providing data continuity for its predecessor’s imaging capabilities, added new polarimetric modes. Canada’s follow-up program, the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), launched in 2019, while providing continuity for its two predecessors, includes an innovative suite of polarimetric modes. In an effort to make polarimetry accessible to a wide range of operational users, RCM uses a new method called hybrid compact polarization (HCP). There are two essential elements to this approach: (1) transmit only one polarization, circular; and (2) receive two orthogonal polarizations, for which RCM uses H and V. This configuration overcomes the conventional dual and full polarimetric system limitations, which are lacking enough polarimetric information and having a small swath width, respectively. Thus, HCP data can be considered as dual-pol data, while the resulting polarimetric classifications of features in an observed scene are of comparable accuracy as those derived from the traditional fully polarimetric (FP) approach. At the same time, RCM’s HCP methodology is applicable to all imaging modes, including wide swath and ScanSAR, thus overcoming critical limitations of traditional imaging radar polarimetry for operational use. The primary image data products from an HCP radar are different from those of a traditional polarimetric radar. Because the HCP modes transmit circularly polarized signals, the data processing to extract polarimetric information requires different approaches than those used for conventional linearly polarized polarimetric data. Operational users, as well as researchers and students, are most likely to achieve disappointing results if they work with traditional polarimetric processing tools. New tools are required. Existing tutorials, older seminar notes, and reference papers are not sufficient, and if left unrevised, could succeed in discouraging further use of RCM polarimetric data. This paper is designed to provide an initial response to that need. A systematic review of studies that used HCP SAR data for environmental monitoring is also provided. Based on this review, HCP SAR data have been employed in oil spill monitoring, target detection, sea ice monitoring, agriculture, wetland classification, and other land cover applications. Full article

RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) compact polarimetry (CP) data were simulated using 504 RADARSAT-2 quad-pol SAR images. These images were used to samples CP data in three RCM modes to build a data set with co-located ocean wind vector observations from in situ buoys on the West and East coasts of Canada. Wind speeds up to 18 m/s were included. CP and linear polarization parameters were related to the C-band model (CMOD) geophysical model functions CMOD-IFR2 and CMOD5n. These were evaluated for their wind retrieval potential in each RCM mode. The CP parameter Conformity was investigated to establish a data-quality threshold (>0.2), to ensure high-quality data for model validation. An accuracy analysis shows that the first Stokes vector (SV₀) and the right-transmit vertical-receive backscatter (RV) parameters were as good as the VV backscatter with CMOD inversion. SV₀ produced wind speed retrieval accuracies between 2.13 m/s and 2.22 m/s, depending on the RCM mode. The RCM Medium Resolution 50 m mode produced the best results. The Low Resolution 100 m and Low Noise modes provided similar results. The efficacy of SV₀ and RV imparts confidence in the continuity of robust wind speed retrieval with RCM CP data. Three image-based case studies illustrate the potential for the application of CP parameters and RCM modes in operational wind retrieval systems. The results of this study provide guidance to direct research objectives once RCM is launched. The results also provide guidance for operational RCM data implementation in Canada’s National SAR winds system, which provides near-real-time wind speed estimates to operational marine forecasters and meteorologists within Environment and Climate Change Canada. Full article

Compact polarimetry for a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system is reviewed. Compact polarimetry (CP) is intended to provide useful polarimetric image classifications while avoiding the disadvantages of space-based quadrature-polarimetric (quad-pol) SARs. Two CP approaches are briefly described, π/4 and circular. A third form, hybrid compact polarimetry (HCP) has emerged as the preferred embodiment of compact polarimetry. HCP transmits circular polarization and receives on two orthogonal linear polarizations. When seen through its associated data processing and image classification algorithms, HPC’s heritage dates back to the Stokes parameters (1852), which are summarized and explained in plain language. Hybrid dual-polarimetric imaging radars were in the payloads of two lunar-orbiting satellites, India’s Earth-observing RISAT-1, and Japan’s ALOS-2. In lunar or planetary orbit, a satellite equipped with an HCP imaging radar delivers the same class of polarimetric information as Earth-based radar astronomy. In stark contrast to quad-pol, compact polarimetry is compatible with wide swath modes of a SAR, including ScanSAR. All operational modes of the SARs aboard Canada’s three-satellite Radarsat Constellation Mission (RCM) are hybrid dual-polarimetric. Image classification methodologies for HCP data are reviewed, two of which introduce errors for reasons explained. Their use is discouraged. An alternative and recommended group of methodologies yields reliable results, illustrated by polarimetrically classified images. A survey over numerous quantitative studies demonstrates HCP polarimetric classification effectiveness. The results verify that the performance accuracy of the HCP architecture is comparable to the accuracy delivered by a quadrature-polarized SAR. Four appendices are included covering related topics, including comments on inflight calibration of an HCP radar. Full article

We have solved a problem of the Hanle effect for the hydrogen Lyman- $\alpha$ line in an intuitive and straightforward way. The Stokes parameters amid an anisotropic radiation field and a magnetic field are derived as an analytical formula which enables us to conduct immediate analyses of observation data taken by spectro-polarimetry. The derived formula is, in particular, supposed to be used for the analysis of the data taken by CLASP (Chromospheric Lyman-Alpha Spectro-Polarimeter), which has aimed at measuring the linear polarization in the hydrogen Lyman- $\alpha$ line (121.6 nm) and then evaluating the magnetic field in the upper chromosphere and the transition region. The dependence of the Stokes parameters on the strength and direction of the magnetic field and on the observation angle is derived with our analytical model. The results show a satisfactory agreement with those of a more rigorous numerical calculation where the radiative transfer is taken into account and the consistency is assured between the anisotropic randiation field and the polarized atomic state. Full article

The binary star AR Scorpii was recently discovered to exhibit high amplitude coherent variability across the electromagnetic spectrum (ultraviolet to radio) at two closely spaced ∼2 min periods, attributed to the spin period of a white dwarf and the beat period. There is strong evidence (low X-ray luminosity, lack of flickering and absense of broad emission lines) that AR Sco is a detached non-accreting system whose luminosity is dominated by the spin-down power of a white dwarf, due to magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) interactions with its M5 companion. Optical polarimetry has revealed highly pulsed linear polarization on the same periods, reaching a maximum of 40%, consistent with a pulsar-like dipole, with the Stokes Q and U variations reminiscent of the Crab pulsar. These observations, coupled with the spectral energy distribution (SED) which is dominated by non-thermal emission, characteristic of synchrotron emission, support the notion that a strongly magnetic (∼200 MG) white dwarf is behaving like a pulsar, whose magnetic field interacts with the secondary star’s photosphere and magnetosphere. Radio synchrotron emission is produced from the pumping action of the white dwarf’s magnetic field on coronal loops from the M-star companion, while emission at high frequencies (UV/optical/X-ray) comes from the particle wind, driven by large electric potential, again reminiscent of processes seen in neutron star pulsars. Full article