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Convenient self-calibrating full-Stokes imaging polarimeter and its application to particle synthesis in reactive plasmas

Alexander Schmitz* and Andreas Petersen

Franko Greiner†

  • *Contact author: schmitz@physik.uni-kiel.de
  • †Contact author: greiner@physik.uni-kiel.de
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Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 014015 – Published 7 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/5bl4-cdsv

Abstract

Imaging polarimetry is becoming an increasingly significant tool, from remote sensing to material characterization. In reactive plasmas, polarimetry is a well-established in situ diagnostic for the size and the complex refractive index of synthesized particles. We present the StokesCam, a self-calibrating, full-Stokes imaging polarimeter based on two micropolarizer cameras. It employs an adapted eigenvalue calibration to address the problem of spatial inhomogeneities and artifacts in polarization optics. A comprehensive uncertainty analysis is provided, using a bootstrapping and Monte Carlo technique to quantify the systematic and statistical errors. The application of the StokesCam to a particle growth process in a reactive plasma is demonstrated as an example of demanding measurement conditions. The device provides high-quality data for scattering modeling and enables not only the spatial monitoring of particle growth but also allows for future studies of the system’s asymmetric multiscattering. This work also serves as a practical guide for readers interested in constructing and deploying their own full-Stokes imaging polarimeter.

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Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 014015– Published 7 July, 2026
  • Received 19 December 2025
  • Revised 22 April 2026
  • Accepted 8 June 2026
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