Experimental determination of the Stokes parameters using a dual photoelastic modulator system

Abstract

We develop a more general methodology for a dual photoelastic modulator (PEM) system that is used for the determination of the Stokes parameters of an arbitrary light beam. This allows for a degree of arbitrariness in the setting of the retardation amplitudes of both PEMs, thus permitting a robust and effective optimization of the detection system. Various experimental issues are considered and a calibration procedure is described that ensures accurate measurement of the absolute values of the Stokes parameters. Measurements of the Faraday rotation of a CoPt multilayer film are provided as a demonstration of the sensitivity of the dual-PEM system