Separation of the isochromatics-isopachics patterns by use of retarders in holographic photoelasticity

By double passing the object beam in photoelastic-holographic interferometry, separation of the isochromatic-isopachic patterns can be achieved. The object beam must then interact with a suitable polarizing element between the first and second pass. This problem is analyzed using Jones' matrices. This analysis shows that, apart from active and passive rotators, half-wave and quarter-wave retarders can also be used as polarizing elements. Possible experimental arrangements of the method are reviewed and experimental verifications are presented.