<i>In situ</i> holistic optimization method for a collinear reflection Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter

In this paper, we propose an <i>in situ</i> holistic optimization method for a collinear reflection Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter (CRMMIP). Traditional instrument matrix optimization approaches for CRMMIP have often neglected the polarization characteristics of non-polarization modulation elements, such as objectives, tube lenses, and beam splitters, leading to reduced instrument stability. To address this limitation, our method allows <i>in situ</i> determination of the Mueller matrices of non-polarization modulation elements, which are then combined with the instrument matrices model of the polarization state generator and analyzer to construct a holistic instrument matrix model. The improved model is used to optimize a more stable instrument matrix. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulations and experimental verification. Additionally, we discuss the effects of dichroism and retardance in non-polarization modulation elements on instrument stability.