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Synthetic/Sparse Aperture Imaging Techniques

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9451-07-C-0034
Agency Tracking Number: F061-011-0498
Amount: $798,281.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF06-011
Solicitation Number: 2006.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2007-02-23
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-10-19
Small Business Information
200 Westside Square Suite 320
Huntsville, AL 35801
United States
DUNS: 129074840
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 MIike Roche
 PI
 (256) 562-0087
 mike@PolarisSensor.com
Business Contact
 David Chenault
Title: President
Phone: (256) 562-0087
Email: david@polarisSensor.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

An ongoing need exists within the defense community to image resident space objects (RSO) in low earth orbit (LEO). Proposed herein is the Polarization based Imaging Correlography Sensor Array (PICS Array) for measurements of LEO objects. A laser source reflects off an RSO and the returning light is collected by an array of Stokes vector polarimeters. Through the use of an image correlography algorithm, a high fidelity image of the RSO can be reconstructed without atmospheric perturbation. The successful implementation of this sensor relies on a multi-disciplinary effort requiring expertise in optical engineering, electronics design, mechanical design and manufacturing processes. Radiometric calculations and electronics design performed on Phase I demonstrate the ability to construct a Stokes vector polarimeter with sufficient signal to noise ratio to resolve the energy returned. A novel division of amplitude polarimeter concept has been formulated that provides a simple, compact and efficient package to act as the unit cell sensor. Full scale array designs have been formulated that address cost effective, high volume production solutions to realize the programmatic goal at a reasonable cost.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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