Seeing Through Smoke, Fog, and Obscurants Using Circular Infrared (IR) Polarimetric Imaging

SY Technology, Inc. proposes to assess the feasibility for portable instrumentation that will enhance a soldier's ability to see through battlefield aerosols and obscurants. The proposed polarimetric imager will consist of a polarized source and asuitable polarization detection imaging system. The Phase I will primarily consist of a measurements program on appropriate aerosols throughout the spectrum to determine the optimal choice of wavelength, illumination polarization state, and detectedpolarization state. The combinations of scattering media and spectral range in which polarization can enhance contrast will be identified and suitable system concepts will be developed. In the Phase I Option, a complete system design will be completedincluding component specifications, schematics, data reduction algorithms, and calibration procedures. The Phase II work will implement the design; calibrate, test, and demonstrate the instrumentation; and explore commercial applications for thetechniques developed in this work. The measurements will take advantage of SY Technology's capability and expertise in polarization measurements and instrument design. This effort will also capitalize on recent experiments in this area usinginstrumentation available at SY Technology, Inc. and other government partners through research and development agreements.It is anticipated that the imaging polarimeter will significantly enhance a soldier's ability to see through conventional and IRobscurants on the battlefield. Potential commercial applications include aiding a firefighter's ability to see in smoke filled areas, imaging through fog for aircraft and automobiles, ice detection, humanitarian de-mining, remote sensing, and medicalimaging.