SBIR-STTR Award

QuantaSpec will modify its hyperspectral imager technology to develop a compact infrared polarimeter that has a SWAP footprint that is slightly greater than a thermal camera. Two approaches will be investigated. One of the approaches measures the complete Stokes vector at full frame rate and full spatial resolution. The prior art approach of using polarizers integrated on to a focal plane array (FPA) greatly degrades image resolution because a pixel is used for each polarization state. QuantaSpec's approach is superior to integrating filters on focal plane arrays (FPAs) because it does not use a pixel for each polarization state which preserves image resolution. In addition, Quantaspec's approach is a Fourier approach which enables calibration to compensate for imperfect components or alignment. Further, QuantaSpec's approach captures all elements of the Stokes vector simultaneously at full frame rate, unlike the prior art rotating polarizaer approach. QuantaSpec's approach can work over much of the mid wave infrared and all of the long wave infrared. Lastly QuantaSpec's approach uses no moving parts.

This project will build, calibrate and test a prototype polarimetric imager.The polarimetric imager provides significant advantages over conventional thermal imagery such as: the ability to detect targets that are in thermal equilibrium, track targets in degraded visual environments (smoke, dust, fog), reject clutter, improve image contrast (30X), increase detection range (2-3X), and detect mines in vegetative cover.These advantages can also enable pilots to better see terrain and power lines in degraded visual environments avoiding loss of hundreds of helicopters.QuantaSpec's innovation uses a new birefringent material to enable long wave infrared polarimetric imagers that collect full Stokes images from a single frame of data without temporal artifacts or misregistration artifacts.QuantaSpec has extensive experience designing, building, and testing LWIR optical systems.The subcontractor, Prof. Chipman of the University of Arizona is a world recognized expert in polarametric imager design, fabrication , calibration, and testing.Together QuantaSpec and U. Arizona make a strong team for developing practical polarimetric imagers.The advantages provided by QuantaSpec's polarimetric imagers can help save lives, save equipment, and improve combat effectiveness.