Polarization adaptive optics for enhanced Stokes vector measurements

Polarization aberrations, such as diattenuation, can significantly affect the performance of modern polarization imaging systems. Polarization adaptive optics (P-AO) provides a means for compensating polarization aberrations, although an approach to deal with diattenuation is not yet available. In this work, we theoretically investigate the potential of a P-AO-assisted diattenuation aberrated Stokes vector measurement system. We provide a comprehensive theoretical and quantitative analysis of the properties regarding diattenuation aberration that can be compensated by P-AO to ensure the optimal performance of a Stokes vector sensing/imaging system. This work provides a solid basis for future use of P-AO in aberrated polarimetric applications.