Polarization imaging for residual stress analysis in optically transparent materials: A review

Stress birefringence measurements of optically transparent materials are key to evaluating optical performance, providing insight into the stress distribution and changes in the optical properties of optical elements, and are indispensable for optimizing system performance and enabling non-destructive testing. Based on polarization imaging technology, by capturing the polarization information of light, it is able to reveal the surface properties, structure and material information of the object that cannot be obtained by traditional intensity imaging. It plays a key role in stress birefringence measurement, and utilizes the characteristics of polarized light to improve the contrast and resolution of imaging, and enhances the detection ability of complex scenes and hidden features. This paper reviews recent advances in the application of polarization imaging techniques for measuring residual stress-induced birefringence in optically transparent materials. It outlines the underlying principles, major methodologies, and recent developments in the field, and discusses the significant role and future prospects of these techniques in materials science and optical engineering.