Passive Imaging Millimeter Wave Polarimeter System

There is currently growing interest in combining passive MMW imaging and polarimetry for various applications such as target discrimination, precipitation monitoring and improved terrain mapping. As passive systems require less power, volume, and weight than their active counterparts, they can be readily adapted to a wider range of airborne platforms. Digital Fusion Solutions, Inc., (DFS) and Trex Enterprises (Trex) propose to develop a full Stokes, passive MMW imaging polarimeter that is capable of being deployed from an airborne platform. The system is currently envisioned as a two-channel, push broom full-Stokes imaging polarimeter based on frequency scanned MMW line scanners fabricated by Trex. The two receivers will use a common collector in order to obtain common instantaneous fields-of-view (IFOVs). A preliminary system design for a deployable system will be completed during Phase I. Initial design and fabrication of a laboratory-based testbed will begin under the Phase I option. A prototype system will be fabricated and demonstrated during Phase II.