Hyperspectral IR polarimetry with applications in demining and unexploded ordnance detection

摘要

Abstract: Several years of effort in IR polarimetry have broughtus convincing evidence of its effectiveness indifferentiating man made objects from naturalbackgrounds. Adding modern focal plane array (FPA)technology (either cooled or uncooled) makes itpossible to combine the benefits of polarimetry withthe power of hyperspectral imaging. Aerodyne Researchis embarked on a stepwise, controlled-risk developmentprogram with the objective of fielding an innovativeand affordable hyperspectral imaging IR polarimeter.Proof-of-concept demonstrations are conducted for eachsignificant technology increment as part of theprototype development effort. These steps, twodemonstrated and two yet to be demonstrated, are: (1)LWIR (non-imaging) Spectral Polarimeter to demonstratethe effectiveness of combined polarimetric andhyperspectral discriminating capabilities inobservations on static scenes; (2) LWIR Uncooled FPAImaging (broadband) Polarimeter to test the sensitivityof an affordable Uncooled FPA in a broadbandconfiguration against static scenes; (3) MultispectralImaging Polarimeter to quantify clutter rejectionperformance improvements to be realized inmultispectral polarimetry; and (4) HyperspectralImaging IR Polarimeter designed with optimal spatialand spectral resolution and sufficient throughput toachieve the reliable performance required in surfacemine and UXO detection applications. Results from theongoing proof-of- concept demonstrations in simulatedsurface mine detection will be presented. !28