Extended Experimentation Using Polarization Techniques

Abstract

Polarization can yield image intelligence additional to that accessible from radiometric intensity, wavelength-dependence, texture, topography, or feature shape, size or relative disposition. In this study, investigations were performed to determine to what extent this is true, and to investigate controlling parameters. The objective of this effort was to extend the investigation of the use of polarized light to enhance target-to-background contrast in order to improve target feature detection and discrimination. This study demonstrated, using digital image data collected during 1997 and 1998, that there is great variation in polarization in and between each of the bandpasses, and this variation is comparable to the magnitude of the variation intensity. In addition, it is shown that the contrast in polarization is greater than for intensity, and that polarization contrast increases as intensity contrast decreases. It is also demonstrated that chromaticity can be used to make targets such as camouflage netting stand out more clearly against background. Multiband imaging polarimetry is likely to provide an advantage in feature detection and discrimination.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA389608

Entities

People

  • Michael J. Duggin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Cameras
  • Camouflage
  • Chromaticity
  • Contrast
  • Detection
  • Filters
  • Focal Planes
  • Gray Scale
  • Images
  • Intensity
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Polarization
  • Polarizers
  • Polarizing Filters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.