Introduction of a 3 × 4 Mueller matrix decomposition method

A Mueller matrix can completely characterize the polarimetric properties of a medium, where the parameters of depolarization, retardance and diattenuation can be obtained by decomposing a Mueller matrix with existing decomposition methods. The introduction of polarization sensitive cameras with integrated wire-grid polarizers has allowed for the fast acquisition and analysis of four linear states within a single snapshot. Moreover, these cameras provide the opportunity to capture a reduced 3 × 4 Mueller matrix with the acquisition of generated states polarization in the illumination arm. In order to measure and characterize samples using a reduced 3 × 4 Mueller matrix, a 3 × 4 decomposition algorithm is introduced. This new algorithm is compared and validated against established 4 × 4 decompositions. The validation of this algorithm is shown using a previously reported Mueller matrix of polyacrylamide phantom, and experimental Mueller matrices of quarter-wave plates, silicone phantoms and a skin model sample. The 3 × 4 decomposition compares well to established decompositions and is capable of characterizing the samples based on the calculation of depolarization, retardance and orientation.