Using Aben’s approach to three-dimensional photoelasticity, a method for the determination of tile stress tensor in a transparent matrix around an isolated axisymmetric inclusion is detailed. The method is useful for studies on a microscopic scale, the inclusion preferably above 10 to 20 mu m in diameter, especially when the total retardation is below lie first fringe order of isochrom. The polarization and phase data for normal and oblique light beams are necessary for full determination of the su-css tensor, including the information on pressure, The analysis is nondestructive of tile composite material studied.