Passive multispectral imaging polarimeter for remote atmospheric and surface studies: design based on optical coatings.

The passive imaging polarimeter architecture is based on optical coatings and thereby avoids the complexities of current systems that use rotating polarizers, phase-modulating retarders, and birefringent elements. Coatings on stationary elements separate spectral regions and their polarized components to simultaneously produce images of the Stokes linear polarization intensities in fields of view (FOVs) ≥30°. Wavelength and FOV coverages are limited only by the telescope and relay optics employed. The images are collected in identical spectral passbands that can extend from UV to shortwave IR. An example relevant to remote sensing in the 360-900 nm range is given. An on-board calibration and stability monitor is included.