Optimization of Active Polarimeters for Real-Time Imaging

The Army has identified the need to enhance existing ground-based surveillance platforms by utilizing polarimetric imaging (PI). Situational awareness imagery has become a vital tool for locating and helping to neutralize roadway threats. The urgency of these threats demands quick, cost effective solutions that can be easily integrated into existing systems without loss of current functionality. Kord Technologies proposes to address this need by modifying a bread board passive SWIR polarimeter maintained by Kratos Defense in order to collect active Mueller matrix signatures of IED type targets so they can be thoroughly evaluated for improved probability of detection (PD) performance. PD algorithms will be developed to take advantage of the unique Mueller component images inherent in PI. Successful assessment of polarimetric PD capability will lead to a comprehensive evaluation of the Army’s Multi-Sensor System (MSS) and the creation of a detailed system design for augmenting the MSS to capture, process and display active SWIR polarimeteric imagery. Kord will team with the MSS manufacturer, L-3 Wescam Sonoma, to provide guidance with the evaluation and design process and to help ensure successful transition to fabricating and testing an augmented MSS in Phase III.