General approach for modeling partial coherence in spectroscopic Mueller matrix polarimetry

We present a general formalism for modeling partial coherence in spectroscopic Mueller matrix measurements of stratified media. The approach is based on the statistical definition of a Mueller matrix, as well as, on the fundamental representation of the measurement process as the convolution of the sample response with a specific instrumental function. The formalism is readily extended to describe other measurement imperfections occurring jointly with partial coherence and resulting in depolarizing experimental Mueller matrices.