A Field-Portable Polarization Imaging System for Remote Sensing

With respect to its remote sensing responsibilities for verifying the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the DOE is seeking instrumentation for the detection and analysis of polarized light. This project will develop an innovative field-portable polarization imaging device based on a high performance electro-optic polarization management technology. The device will contain no moving parts and will accommodate most existing CCD cameras. Based on polarization features, effective classification algorithms will be developed for target discrimination and classification. In Phase I, an experimental set-up was built, and the feasibility of the imaging technique was demonstrated. Using this technique, targets in shadow were easily identified and enhanced, an achievement that is difficult with other imaging techniques. In Phase II, the spectral response range will be extended to cover wavelengths from visible to mid-infrared, and a large-aperture Stokes imaging sensor will be developed. Based on polarization features, effective classification algorithms will be developed for target discrimination and classification. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed technology and devices covering visible through middle-infrared wavelengths should find wide application in environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis, biological fingerprint detection, remote optical sensing and imaging, target discrimination, and minefield detection