Polarimetric Sensor for Air-to-Surface Missile Systems

Polarization imaging holds promise for providing significant improvements in contrast and background clutter rejection in a number of target detection and discrimination applications. In several recent development efforts, it has been demonstrated that manmade objects have a significantly stronger polarization signal than natural backgrounds resulting in good contrast that complements the conventionally imaged infrared signature. However, the experimental polarimetric systems which have produced these data sets frequently require long data acquisition times which result in artifacts in the polarization imagery due to platform or target motion, or involve very large hardware packages not appropriate for an EO seeker system. Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc proposes a comprehensive design trade-off study which considers all existing and emerging polarimetric architectures to determine an optimal design for a seeker imaging polarimeter. Established models will be used to determine the optimal waveband(s) of operation. MWIR, LWIR and MWIR/LWIR bands will be considered. A concept design of the seeker imaging polarimeter will be developed based on the design trade-study output. A Phase I Option would provide a detailed system design including optical, mechanical and electrical designs.