Compact Infrared Polarimeter for Target Tracking in Clutter

This project will build, calibrate and test a prototype polarimetric imager. The polarimetric imager provides significant advantages over conventional thermal imagery such as: the ability to detect targets that are in thermal equilibrium, track targets in degraded visual environments (smoke, dust, fog), reject clutter, improve image contrast (30X), increase detection range (2-3X), and detect mines in vegetative cover. These advantages can also enable pilots to better see terrain and power lines in degraded visual environments avoiding loss of hundreds of helicopters. QuantaSpec's innovation uses a new birefringent material to enable long wave infrared polarimetric imagers that collect full Stokes images from a single frame of data without temporal artifacts or misregistration artifacts. QuantaSpec has extensive experience designing, building, and testing LWIR optical systems. The subcontractor, Prof. Chipman of the University of Arizona is a world recognized expert in polarametric imager design, fabrication , calibration, and testing. Together QuantaSpec and U. Arizona make a strong team for developing practical polarimetric imagers. The advantages provided by QuantaSpec's polarimetric imagers can help save lives, save equipment, and improve combat effectiveness.