On the measurement of the generalized degree of polarization

On the basis of well-known methods to obtain the standard Stokes parameters, two simple experimental procedures are analysed to measure the so-called generalized degree of polarization, P, defined elsewhere [Opt. Commun., 149 (1998) 230]. After discussing the accuracy of the methods, the generalized degree of polarization of a non-uniformly polarized beam emerging from an optically pumped birefringent Nd:YAG rod optically pumped is experimentally investigated in terms of the pumped power.