Fast rotatable and variable ceramic programmable waveplate for visible and NIR polarization imaging

Along with intensity and spectrum, the polarization of light carries abundant information. Polarization imaging has established strong interest for visual appearance measurement, based on its ability to analyze scattered light and for defense applications, thanks to its performances in term of object detection/identification. Image contrast enhancement and information on the objects (natural, man-made, detection of water bodies, 3D shape…) composing the scene can also be derived from the polarization analysis. The objective of this research project is to develop an innovative polarization component and to proceed to its integration in an imaging system. It will lead to a passive polarization camera that will measure the 4 Stokes parameters for each pixel of the image, in real-time, without any mechanical rotation and at high frame per second. Based on PLZT ceramic, we will design and manufacture a 2D array of rotatable and programmable waveplates. It will be the key component of a passive polarization imaging system. Phase II will pursue advanced development of PLZT ceramic-based polarization components. The component designs will be optimized, fabricated and integrated into a passive polarization camera. The performances of the polarization camera will be demonstrated in the laboratory and during field experiment, on representative scenes.