Polarization difference image analysis with LC filter

Image analysis using polarizing methods allows removing the polarized light component from recorded images. This is known as polarization difference imaging (PDI). The use of liquid crystals (LC) in PDI was proposed in 2002. Modified LC unit with a properly oriented LC layer was proposed by the authors. The main parameters which characterize an imaging system, employing a circular LC filter, were determined and presented in previous papers. In this work, the basics of the circular LC filter construction and theory are presented. Two application configurations of PDI imaging systems are shown. Experimental results of image processing based on object’s polarization properties are discussed.