Fourier transform imaging spectropolarimeter using simultaneous polarization modulation

We introduce a Fourier transform imaging spectropolarimeter composed of a simultaneous polarization modulator and a Fourier transform spectrometer without slit. The spectropolarimeter enables the generation of four sets of fringe patterns with different polarization states of light from an object point. Fourier transform of the fringe patterns provides four equations of Stokes parameters in various wavenumbers. And we can obtain the full-stokes vector from the equations. The most significant advantage of the method is that the four polarized fringe patterns are obtained simultaneously and separated without aliasing. Additionally, the advantages of the Fourier transform spectrometer are maintained, such as high radiative throughput. (c) 2013 Optical Society of America