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.