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Switchable Polarimetric Camera for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-11-M-1100
Agency Tracking Number: F103-174-0622
Amount: $99,993.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF103-174
Solicitation Number: 2010.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-01-14
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
200 Westside Square Suite 320
Huntsville, AL -
United States
DUNS: 129074840
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 J. Pezzaniti
 Cheif Technical Officer
 (256) 562-0087
 larry.pezzaniti@polarissensor.com
Business Contact
 David Chenault
Title: President
Phone: (256) 562-0087
Email: david.chenault@polarissensor.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Recent developments in polarimetric imaging have shown that polarization can offer significant advantages in target detection in difficult detection scenarios. However, many of the systems used to demonstrate these performance enhancements are used in situations where signal to noise is not an issue. In almost any polarimeter, loss of signal to noise results because of the relatively unpolarized nature of the target signatures and the inherent loss of unpolarized light to the polarizer in the system. Schemes to remove the polarizer from the system for these situations is not practical. Polaris Sensor Technologies is proposing to address this problem by developing an on-demand polarizer. This device will be capable of switching the polarization sensitivity off with little loss in throughput increasing sensor sensitivity in difficult detection scenarios. When turned on, the polarimeter will function as a conventional, division of focal plane polarimeter. The Phase I will developed the on-demand polarizer device, establish design and process rules for fabrication of prototype and integration into a system in Phase II. BENEFIT: There is significant commercialization potential for the proposed system for Air Force manned platforms, missiles, and ground based vehicles. The small size and sensitivity of the final sensor will enable plug and play replacement of existing sensors.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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