Infrared Imaging Spectro-Polarimeter for Laser Radar

This is a Phase II proposal to build a prototype imaging spectro-polarimeter for the measurement of spectral and polarization signatures of both targets and backgrounds for improved target recognition capability for laser radar. The proposed innovativesnapshot imaging spectro-polarimeter provides spectral and polarization information in the 1.25 to 2.08 micron spectral region for each pixel in one frame time. This unique approach eliminates scanning through the spectrum as required by conventionalapproaches and provides for subsequent rapid collection and construction of spatial, spectral, and polarization data sets. The proposed instrument design is filed portable with minimal moving parts. The proposed project builds on developments at theUniversity of Arizona's Optical Science Centers and provides the most comprehensive and versatile portable imaging sensor developed to date. This sensor has the capability to significantly improve the performance of ladar systems.