In this paper we apply imaging polarimetry to characterize polarization based stereoscopic 3D displays. New imaging polarimeter is first described and its potentialities to characterize LCDs and their components are shown. Then one polarization based stereoscopic 3D display is measured with this new tool. 3D and standard contrast are evaluated on the entire surface of the display and compared to what is expected from viewing angle measurements at specific locations. Important inhomogeneities probably related to the quality of the phase shift film are detected. Color shifts are measured and interpreted with regards to polarization multispectral viewing angle measurements. The main sources of imperfections are detected and solutions to improve the characteristics are proposed.

Date Published: 17 February 2010
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 7524, Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXI, 75241K (17 February 2010); doi: 10.1117/12.837529

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7524:
Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXI
Andrew J. Woods; Nicolas S. Holliman; Neil A. Dodgson, Editor(s)