SBIR Phase I:Polarization Sensing of Stress Levels in Vegetation

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to apply the polarization properties of light reflected from vegetation to examine environmental stress and species-specific identifiers by remote sensing. The research will impact science by creating a body of experimental data on the diffuse reflectance spectra of plant species. The proposed methods could be used to optimize fertilizer use and to detect invasive species that can cause huge crop losses. The primary commercial application for these sensors will be in agriculture, especially in large-scale precision farming. The relatively low cost of these sensors and large markets in which they could be used, should promote prompt commercialization of the technology following successful demonstration.