Spectroscopic Stokes vector polarimetry for biomedical applications

We present the design and calibration of a spectroscopic Stokes vector polarimeter. The polarimeter can measure the full Stokes vector in the wavelength range 450 nm to 767 nm with 1 nm resolution and consists of a fiber based spectrophotometer, a white LED light source, two liquid crystal retarders, and one polarizer. Calibration of the system is achieved with a scheme that does not require knowledge of the polarizing elements orientation or retardation. Six intensity spectra are required to calculate the full spectrum Stokes vector. Error in the polarimeter is less than 5%. We report the Stokes vectors of light transmitted through several polarizing element and biological media.