Hyperspectral IR polarimetry with applications in demining and unexploded ordnance detection

Several years of effort in IR polarimetry have brought us convincing evidence of its effectiveness in differentiating man made objects from natural backgrounds. Adding modem focal plane array (FPA) technology (either cooled or uncooled) makes it possible to combine the benefits of polarimetry with the power of hyperspectral imaging. Aerodyne Research is embarked on a stepwise, controlled-risk development program with the objective of fielding an innovative and affordable hyperspectral imaging IR polarimeter. Proof-of-concept demonstrations are conducted for each significant technology increment as part of the prototype development effort. These steps, two demonstrated and two yet to be demonstrated, are: (1) LWIR (non-imaging) Spectral Polarimeter to demonstrate the effectiveness of combined polarimetric and hyperspectral discrimination capabilities in observations on static scenes; (2) LWIR Uncooled FPA Imaging (broadband) Polarimeter to test the sensitivity of an affordable Uncooled FPA in a broadband configuration against static scenes; (3) Multispectral Imaging Polarimeter to quantify clutter rejection performance improvements to be realized in multispectral polarimetry; and (4) Hyperspectral imaging IR Polarimeter designed with optimal spatial and spectral resolution and sufficient throughput to achieve the reliable performance required in surface mine and UXO detection applications. Results from the ongoing proof-of-concept demonstrations in simulated surface mine detection will be presented.