Holographic polarization interferometry

A new approach based on the combination of the advantages of holographic interferometry with those of polarization measurements is developed. This approach gives the possibility to apply the polarization method to the investigation of objects which fully depolarize the illuminating light wave. These objects can be presented, for example, by diffusely reflecting surfaces. In the process of realization of this approach, the holographic interferometer becomes the polarization system which is equivalent to a set of single axial crystal plates or optically active media. This system rotates the polarization plane of the object wave at angles, the values and directions of which are proportional to the values and directions of changes of the investigated parameters of the object. As a result, the possibility arises to increase not only the accuracy but also the spatial resolution and informativeness of holographic methods. Different applications of holographic polarization interferometry are also considered in this paper, i.e. for determining the height and direction of surface relief, the values and directions of surface point displacements and for investigating transparent objects.