Optimal configuration of static polarization imagers for target detection

Area of Science:

• Polarimetry
• Optical Imaging
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Static Stokes imagers are used for target detection.
• Polarimetric configurations significantly impact detection performance.
• Optimizing analysis states is crucial for maximizing performance in challenging scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal set of analysis states for a static Stokes imager.
• To maximize target detection performance under the least favorable polarimetric conditions.
• To evaluate the performance trade-off compared to fully adaptive systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a minimax approach to identify optimal analysis states.
• Investigated the Poincaré sphere to define the geometric arrangement of states.
• Quantified detection performance based on polarimetric contrast.

Main Results:

• The optimal set comprises four analysis states forming a regular tetrahedron on the Poincaré sphere.
• In the worst-case scenario, the contrast in the best Stokes channel is one-third of that from a fully adaptive imager.
• This configuration balances performance and system complexity.

Conclusions:

• Static Stokes imagers with four specific analysis states offer a practical solution for target detection.
• These imagers are suitable for applications where a minor reduction in discrimination ability is acceptable.
• The minimax approach provides a robust method for optimizing polarimetric sensing.