Eigenvalue calibration methods for polarimetry

Complex polarisation sensitive systems such as imaging Mueller matrix polarimeters are commonly calibrated using the eigenvalue calibration method. In this paper we present an extensive review of the method and an existing variant. We also introduce two more variants of the method to calibrate imaging polarimeters that use high numerical aperture optics. The calibration methods are tested using a Mueller matrix confocal microscope of high numerical aperture, and the effect of the pinhole size on the polarisation is also assessed experimentally. [DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2971/jeos.2012.12004]