Polarization Diversity Active Imaging.
Abstract
Polarization Diversity Active Imaging illuminates a scene or target with a sequence of polarization states and then measures images of the polarization state scattered from a scene or target. These polarization images are then analyzed to provide additional details in the optical signature of objects by quantifying the object interaction with polarized light. The Mueller Matrix Imaging Polarimeter at The University of Alabama in Huntsville has been configured for bistatic scattering measurements of the Mueller matrices of small targets. The initial targets used were simple geometric shapes (spheres and cones). These targets were chosen because mathematical descriptions of their surfaces are easily obtained. Therefore, the measured polarization signatures can be compared with the known surface orientations. Data obtained indicated the ability of the PDAI technique to measure polarimetric signatures of the spheres and cones made of different materials (metals, plastics, and wood). In that data, there were evident relationships between various polarization properties and an object's material and shape. The results demonstrated the feasibility and the strong potential of the PDAI technique to determine the shape and orientation of an object from its polarization properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA329709
Entities
People
- Elizabeth Sornsin
- Matthew K Smith
- Pierre Y. Gerligand
- Russell A. Chipman
Organizations
- University of Alabama in Huntsville