A birefringent filter includes an EM directing element in optical alignment with a first surface of the birefringent plate. A polarimetric imager includes a birefringent filter including a birefringent plate formed of a birefringent material and an EM directing element in optical alignment with a first surface of the birefringent plate. The imager further includes a detector in optical alignment with a second surface of the birefringent plate. A projection system includes an EM directing element and a birefringent filter. The filter includes (1) a birefringent plate formed of a birefringent material and having a first surface in optical alignment with the emissions source, and (2) an EM directing element in optical alignment with a second surface of the birefringent plate.