Holographic Stokes-Meter Based Eye-Safe Polarimetric Ladar for Surveillance and Discrimination

Under the Phase I project, we have developed a Polarimetric Imaging System (PIS), integrated it with the 3-D Flash Ladar (FL), and have demonstrated operation of the integrated device: a PLADAR (Polarimetric Ladar). Furthermore, we have performed a detailed study of the ability of the PLADAR system to see parts of a scene that are not visible under intensity-only imaging. We have also shown how the PLADAR system can distinguish between parts of a scene that appear indistinguishable under intensity-only imaging. Finally, we have illustrated the development of a rudimentary database of the polarimetric properties of various surfaces that can be used for surface discrimination and object recognition using a PLADAR system. Under the Phase II project, we will develop further the PLADAR system for potential integration into Naval platforms such as the Firescout, a Vertical-Takeoff UAV. The specific tasks we would carry out under the Base project include: (a) High-Speed Operation of the PLADAR, (b) Automated Source Polarization Control for the PLADAR, (c) Development of Optimization Techniques for Compensating Residual Nonlinearity and Cross Talk, (d) Development of a Navy-Relevant Polarimetric Database, and (e) Development of a Portable Prototype for the PLADAR and Performing Field Tests. The Navy is currently developing a 3-D Ladar for FireScout, which will be evaluated under an ONR FNC program. The system developed under the Base project would be tested with this hardware. Under Option 1, we would adapt the PLADAR hardware and software for the Firescout platform. Under Option 2, we would test the adapted PLADAR aboard the Firescout platform.