Robust polarization direction measurement using vortex retarder in complex environments

This work introduces a robust polarization measurement system employing vortex retarders for precise direction detection in complex environments. Conventional polarimeters face inherent limitations including mechanical rotation constraints and multi-camera alignment issues. In contrast, vortex-retarder-based systems provide compact, rotation-free alternatives featuring angularly varying fast axes to modulate polarization. Despite these advantages, environmental occlusions compromise measurement stability by disrupting pattern symmetry. Our Dual-layer Image Correlation (DIC) algorithm overcomes this limitation through exhaustive template scanning and adaptive refinement, replacing traditional symmetrydependent methods. Experimental validation demonstrates DIC reduces RMSE by 37–85% across tree, building, and cloud disturbances compared to Image Correlation (IC) methods, while producing significantly smoother error curves across orientations. The methodology maintains real-time capability, enabling reliable polarization determination for bionic polarization, chiral molecule analysis, and medical diagnostics in occlusion-prone field environments.