Ghost polarimetry: ghost imaging of polarization-sensitive objects

Abstract

A new method of polarimetry which we have called ‘ghost polarimetry’ is suggested. The principle underlying the ghost imaging concept is generalized to polarization-sensitive objects which change the polarization state of incident light. Our theoretical model treats an object as a Jones matrix. In this approach, the information on the polarization properties of the object is contained in the elements of this matrix. We show that it is possible to connect the elements of Jones matrix with mutual correlation functions of the currents measured in the object arm and in two reference-arms where the signals in two orthogonal polarizations are registered. We demonstrate that the developed method allows to obtain polarization ghost image and therefore to identify the polarization structure of the object. Also it is shown that in order to implement this method the object should be illuminated by unpolarized incoherent light with Gaussian statistics. We believe that expanding the principle of ghost imaging to polarization sensitive objects will expand the diagnostic capabilities of existing polarimetry and ellipsometry technique.

Quantum Ghost Imaging Spectrometer

“…The main appeal of the scheme is thus in its capability of displacing cumbersome analysis apparatuses to more convenient locations when it comes to hardly accessible objects as well as frequency ranges. The analogue effect in the spectral domain has been termed quantum ghost spectroscopy and relied on a conceptually identical scheme. − Ghost techniques have demonstrated advantages for microscopy applications in terms of photon flux, , contrast, and metrological performance. , Besides the two main spatial and spectral axes, ghost schemes have been extended to other degrees of freedom, foremost time, and polarization. − …”

Single shot and speckle free reconstruction of orthogonal polarization modes with a tuneable beam displacer

“…This method operates under verylow signal to noise ratio(SNR) situations and separates the spectral components of the signal and noise. Such initiatives for a polarized object appear to not attract much attention except for some recent investigations in the context of ghost polarimetry [55][56][57], lensless stokes holography [58] and higher order stokes correlations [59], etc. Polarization fluctuations in the random field affect the speckle contrast and degree of polarization.…”

Metasurface-Assisted Quantum Ghost Discrimination of Polarization Objects

“…The object is characterized through multiple coincidence or correlation measurements [17] that can deliver a better signal-to-noise ratio compared to classical imaging systems, and also enable imaging with a very low number of photons [18,19]. However, there remains a fundamental limitation of traditional ghost polarimetry approaches due to a need for multiple reconfigurable elements such as rotating waveplates [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Yet, the unique capabilities of polarization control with metasurfaces towards potential singleshot ghost imaging configurations remains largely untapped, so far limited to the incorporation of metasurfaces for hologram generation [28].…”