Error analysis of the calibration of a dual-rotating-retarder Mueller matrix polarimeter.

We previously developed a Mueller matrix microscope by combining a dual-rotating-retarder device with a commercial microscope, which holds promise for pathologic diagnosis applications. In practical applications, the signals to be measured are sensitive to systematic errors, and the measurement accuracy and the instrument calibration affect the capacity to characterize the data. In conventional calibration, the initial positions of the rotating devices are constrained, causing calibration instability. To improve the calibration, we examine the mathematical model of the calibration process using previous studies, and derive a calibration algorithm with reduced error magnification. Our experimental results show the proposed algorithm improves calibration accuracy, and provides more robust results.