Imaging polarimeter for linear birefringence measurements using a liquid crystal modulator

We present the imaging polarimetry method with phase shifting. The use of a liquid crystal modulator makes this method equally as quick as the one of imaging polarimetry with carrier frequency. This work presents a simple optical arrangement, together with the liquid crystal (LC) calibration procedure and experimental results confirming the correctness of the method and its accuracy. (C) 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.