Measuring the Stokes' parameters: A new practice for teaching optics

Abstract Here, we implement a physics teaching laboratory practice that aims to investigate the Stokes parameters through the analysis of polarized light transmitted by polarizing optical elements. The practice was implemented according to the project-based learning methodology. All the investigated states of polarized light were generated using a homemade polarization simulator, comprising a light source (laser emitting at 670 nm) combined with different polarizing optical elements. We have shown that the practice is effective for obtaining the Stokes' parameters. Moreover, it can be easily designed as an advanced experimental project for optics teaching laboratories, with the purpose of confirming and advancing theoretical studies of the topic.