Free-space active polarimetric imager operating at 1.55  μm by orthogonality breaking sensing

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Polarimetry
• Imaging Science

Background:

• Polarimetric imaging is crucial for material characterization and object detection.
• Traditional methods often require multiple acquisitions, limiting real-time applications.
• Active polarimetry offers enhanced contrast and information extraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and optimize an active polarimetric imaging demonstrator.
• To utilize the orthogonality breaking technique for enhanced imaging capabilities.
• To demonstrate real-time acquisition of multivariate polarimetric data.

Main Methods:

• Development of a fibered dual-frequency, dual-polarization source.
• Raster scanning of the source across the scene.
• Implementation of a dedicated opto-electronic detection chain for real-time signal demodulation.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of contrast maps revealing hidden dichroic objects.
• Determination of object orientation on a depolarizing background.
• Demonstration of superior performance over standard techniques in turbid conditions.

Conclusions:

• The active polarimetric imaging system effectively identifies and characterizes objects based on their polarization properties.
• The orthogonality breaking technique enables efficient, single-scan acquisition of rich polarimetric data.
• The system shows significant advantages for imaging through atmospheric disturbances.