Maximization of information content in polarimetric measurements

Given that the constraints on imaging polarimeters drive the design to fewer measurements, a question remains as to how to best choose the individual measurements to optimize information content and make the most reliable reconstruction of the Stokes vector. In this paper a single strategy is developed to design an optimum polarimeter configuration for any dimensionality, any imaging strategy and any number of measurements. The concept is illustrated by an optimization of the variable retardance polarimeter.