3-D LADAR Polarimeter

Polarization will increasingly be an important tool in ballistic missile defense. However, in practice, implementing a robust polarimetric system necessitates addressing a number of complex issues and challenges. Furthermore, polarimetric systems,traditionally have relied on spatial or sequential scanning mechanisms to record the multi-dimensional datacube. Due to spatial and/or temporal aliasing, as well as the need for moving parts, these solutions are unacceptable for MDA applications.With this understanding, we will design and optimize a Stokes LADAR polarimeter that is powerful in performance, yet simple in its design, requires no moving parts, leverages the most current subwavelength photolithography processes, and is based on provendiffractive optics techniques and technologies. The innovation offers robust, reliable, easily configurable, and cost effective active LADAR polarimetry over a wide variety of mission scenarios, targets, and environmental conditions.The deliverable output of the Phase I program will be an optimized system design, detailed manufacturing methods, an end-to-end system performance model, and a comprehensive Phase II development plan. The active polarimeter technologies will benefit a broad range of applications including: surface and sub-surface cancer detection, imaging in scattering media - including medical, atmospheric, and underwater remote sensing, machine vision, autonomousguidance, and ellipsometry. Sensitive polarimetric systems are currently being investigated for glucose detection, optical fiber communication systems, and other optical measurement devices.