Project Title:

Polarization-Sensitive, Thermal Imaging Sensors

92-1-09.13-3284                                                   NAS09-18841
Polarization-Sensitive, Thermal Imaging Sensors
Physics Innovations, Inc.
3213 Evergreen Drive
St. Paul, MN  55121-1767
Cornell Chun                                         (612-452-3284)

Abstract:

     This project will develop a novel, polarization-sensitive,
thermal imaging system. Polarization-sensitive thermal imaging has
the following advantages over conventional imaging methods used in
tracking systems: the new method senses the infrared thermal
emissions of objects, operates without controlled lighting or in
darkness, and can measure the degree of polarization and the angle
of polarization for each image pixel. The degree and angle of
polarization give the two angles that specify the local surface
orientation of the object, from which information the object's
shape and attitude can be determined. The polarization-sensitive,
thermal imaging sensor is suitable for use in spacecraft tracking
systems for rendezvous and proximity operations. Phase I will be a
design study of specific polarizer and photodiode configurations.
Design criteria for optimizing polarization-sensitive imaging
performance will be determined for a range of operating
conditions. Phase II will include the construction of a prototype
system for polarization-sensitive imaging.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  These sensors can be used in a
variety of applications including automated assembly; automated
quality control; remote sensing of earth resources, agriculture,
pollutants, and weather; area surveillance for police; intrusion
detection; biomedical applications such as remote thermal imaging
to detect cancer; search and/or track systems for detection and
discrimination of aircraft and ballistic missiles; forward looking
infrared sensors (FLIR); and night vision navigation.

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