Range and contrast imaging improvements using circularly polarized light in scattering environments

J. D. van der Laan; D. A. Scrymgeour; S. A. Kemme; E. L. Dereniak

doi:10.1117/12.2015874

5 June 2013 Range and contrast imaging improvements using circularly polarized light in scattering environments

J. D. van der Laan, D. A. Scrymgeour, S. A. Kemme, E. L. Dereniak

Proceedings Volume 8706, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXIV; 87060R (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2015874
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2013, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

We find for infrared wavelengths there are clear particle size ranges and indices representative of fog and rain where the use of circular polarization imaging can penetrate to larger optical depths than linear polarization. Using polarization tracking Monte Carlo simulations for varying particle size, wavelength, and index systematically, we show that for specific scene parameters circular polarization vastly outperforms linear polarization in maintaining degree of polarization for large optical depths in transmission and reflection. This enhancement in circular polarization can be exploited to improve imaging in obscurant environments that are important in many critical imaging applications. Specifically, circular polarization performs better than linear for radiation fog in the SWIR and MWIR regime, advection fog in the LWIR regime, and small sized particles of Sahara dust in the MWIR regime.

Citation Download Citation

J. D. van der Laan, D. A. Scrymgeour, S. A. Kemme, and E. L. Dereniak "Range and contrast imaging improvements using circularly polarized light in scattering environments", Proc. SPIE 8706, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXIV, 87060R (5 June 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2015874

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available