High Dynamic Range enhancement in Mueller matrix polarimetry

Abstract

Mueller matrix (MM) polarimetry is an effective, non-invasive tool for retrieving information from complex media. However, the finite dynamic range of optical detectors poses a significant challenge when measurements involve strong intensity contrasts, where bright regions risk saturation while dark regions suffer from poor signal-to-noise ratio. To address this challenge, this article presents a straightforward, high dynamic range methodology that does not require non-linear algorithms. The proposed technique relies on the direct addition of raw intensities captured at multiple exposure times prior to the calculation of the MM. By extending the effective well-depth of the detector, this technique allows the 16 MM elements to be calculated across different hardware configurations with a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio in low-intensity regions while eliminating artifacts caused by saturation. This approach offers a simple yet efficient solution for the characterization of samples, eliminating the need for hardware modifications or software trade-offs.