The measurement and pictorial representation of polarization

This dissertation considers the various ways in which the polarization state of electromagnetic radiation can be described and the optimum choice of polarimeter type for the fast, automatic measurement of the polarization state of radiation from fibre optic based systems. The dissertation also describes the construction of a simple, PC-based, four detector Stokes Vector Polarimeter prototype to demonstrate the feasibility of the selected approach and to give an insight into the practical problems associated with the implementation of such devices.Suggestions for modifications to the prototype to enhance its performance and for further work towards a fast polarimeter capable of recording transient effects are included at the end of the dissertation