Snapshot Mueller matrix polarimeter

An optical assembly for use in a polarimeter, comprising:

• a polarization filter positioned to receive collimated light and to produce light having different polarization states, the polarization filter including at least four sections, wherein each section of the polarization filter is configured to impart a particular polarization to the light that is passed therethrough and produce light having a particular polarization state that is spatially separated from light produced by other sections of the polarization filter, and wherein the polarization filter is configured to produce a polarization state by each section of the polarization filter that is different from polarization state produced by an adjacent section of the polarization filter;
• and
• a second optical element or elements positioned to project an image of the at least four sections of the filter onto a plane to allow simultaneous illumination of an object positioned at the plane with the light having a plurality of polarization states with substantially constant intensity.