Innovative Technologies for Detection and Discrimination of Surface and Buried Explosive Hazards

Detecting buried in road or roadside explosive threats is a major problem facing the Army on todays battlefield. Recent studies have shown that Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) imaging polarimeters can detect these threats; however, the implementation of the polarimeters has not been traceable to a ruggedized, field ready imaging system. Guidestar Optical Systems proposes to develop an imaging LWIR polarimeter to detect disturbed earth (a signature of buried explosives) and man-made objects on the roadside. The implementation of Guidestars polarimeter will be suitable for use with dynamic scenes and a vibrating/moving platform. We will develop a Phase I bench top prototype sensor suite (consisting of the LWIR polarimeter, a visible imaging camera, and a near IR imaging camera) and perform initial testing with this suite. The visible and NIR cameras will provide high-resolution images to enhance the detection capability of the LWIR polarimeter. The Phase I option program will expand the testing to include threat detection with cluttered scenes and backgrounds to provide a robust proof of concept demonstration as well as identify the key design features required for the Phase II field capable prototype sensor.