Simulation of error in digital photoelasticity by Jones Calculus

The accuracy of parameter evaluation by automated photoelastic techniques depends on both their theoretical formulation and experimental procedure. The sensitivity of techniques such as phase shifting and load stepping to error in optical misalignment and quarter-wave plate mismatch would be of interest. A generic approach to simulation of error in digital photoelasticity is presented. The simulation has showed how to associate the errors in the phase map to the misalignment of optical elements.