Snapshot imaging spectropolarimeter

We present and analyze a technique for snapshot imaging spectropolarimetry. The technique involves the combination of channeled spectropolarimetry with computed tomography imaging spectrometry (CTlS). Channeled spectropolarimetry uses sideband modulation to encode the spectral dependence of all four Stokes parameters in a single spectrum. CTIS is a snapshot imaging spectrometry method in which a computer-generated holographic disperser is employed to acquire dispersed images of the target scene, and both spatial and spectral information is reconstructed using the mathematics of computed tomography. The combination of these techniques provides the basis for a snapshot imaging complete Stokes spectropolarimeter that can be implemented with no moving parts. We review design considerations for the spectropolarimeter and present preliminary simulation results.