Polarization Studies in Passive ASW

Several sensor systems are currently under development for use in ‘maritime remote sensing’. Missions such as surf zone and shallow water mine countermeasures, optical ASW, maritime search and rescue, and marine mammal detection and tracking are included in our definition of remote sensing. The optical components of these systems are high end, standard, COTS camera systems designed by industrial camera makers for multiple uses ranging from scientific research (e.g. Astronomy) to machine vision. Thus even though the systems are specifically tailored to the maritime environment, their basic cameras are general in nature. It is the intent of this program to look specifically at each component of a maritime remote sensing system and optimize the use of that component to the maritime environment. Initially, emphasis will be on the camera itself and its associated optics. Special attention will be given to the use of polarization analyzers in improving imaging and detection. To do, this unique attributes of the maritime environment must be identified and exploited in specific system designs to generate superior systems in terms of performance, cost, volume, and reliability.