Stocks Polarization Imaging System for Target Discrimination

Detection and identification of similar class military targets can be extremely difficult, especially at extended ranges. The wide variety of deployment scenarios further complicate this effort. Existing DoD investments in inventory aircraft also limit possible solutions. There is a need to develop novel techniques to exploit as many target identification discriminants as possible without significant modification to the existing designator laser. Boston Applied Technologies, Inc. (BATI) proposes to develop a novel Stocks polarization imaging system to improve the target detection and identification. The proposed polarization features no moving part, fast polarization setting, wide spectral range and full polarization capability. A key component used in this design, ultra-fast variable retarder, was based on our recent-breakthrough electro-optical ceramic that ensures fast and stable operation. Since no fixed retarder is required, the instrument is practically wavelength. The fast sampling speed and wide range of wavelength capability makes this instrument a very helpful tool for investigating the polarization phenomenology to large number of circumstances such as scattering from different surfaces, the atmosphere, or reflection from a laser beam.