Polarimeter in a Pixel

Abstract

An imaging polarimeter captures an image with both the intensity and the average polarization state recorded for each pixel. A polarimetric image has more information than a simple intensity image and improves remote sensing and automatic target recognition. The current technology of imaging polarimeters cannot reliably measure high-spatiotemporal polarization or high-spectral-resolution polarization of a moving scene; the camera reports huge errors at the boundaries of objects in the scene or trades-off spatial and spectral resolution to achieve faster measurements. The aim of the proposed project is to realize a new optoelectronic device that completely and instantaneously measures the incident light's polarization for a narrow wavelength band in a single physical pixel. We have undertaken theoretical modeling of the Polarimeter in a Pixel and undertook one round of fabrication of the device. Although the device exhibited good mid infrared absorption, the electrical characteristics were poor due to residual Silicon Nitride. We are requesting follow on funding to undertake experimental studies on this project in collaboration with AFRL/VSSS.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 13, 2007
Accession Number
ADA467805

Entities

People

  • Sanjay Krishna

Organizations

  • University of New Mexico

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundaries
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Classification
  • Contracts
  • Detection
  • Fabrication
  • Identification
  • Intensity
  • Materials
  • Optoelectronic Devices
  • Pattern Recognition
  • Polarimeters
  • Polarization
  • Quantum Wells
  • Recognition
  • Target Recognition
  • Teamwork

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics