Fiber-optic spectral polarimeter using a broadband swept laser source

We present a novel fiber-optic spectral polarimetry instrument based on optical frequency domain interferometry to provide measurement of the Stokes spectra of collected light. Stokes spectra are encoded into discrete channels in the time delay domain. The instrument consists of a broadband swept laser source, calibrated wavemeter, two segments of polarization maintaining (PM) fiber, an analyzer and photo-receiver. Performance of the instrument is demonstrated by reconstruction of Stokes spectra for a variety of prepared incident polarization states. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.