Polarimetric, Multispectral, Passive E/O-IR Imager Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-055 Topic Title: Polarimetric, Multispectral, Passive E/O-IR Imager Proposal No.: N161-055-0266 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation 1845 West 205th Street Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Marc SeGall Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: http://www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a passive electro-optic/infrared imager capable of fog penetration, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Polarimetric, Multispectral, Passive E/O-IR Imager (POMPEII) based on a novel combination of multispectral and polarimetric imaging techniques that maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and eliminates artifacts. Specifically, POC's innovative use of multispectral imaging in wavelength bands where the scattering due to fog and aerosols is minimal, coupled with its polarimetric imaging techniques to enhance the image contrast and eliminate the effects of scattered light, without requiring assumptions to be made about the scene, will enable the system to provide enhanced target detection, tracking, and identification in low-visibility environments. Using POMPEII, operators of shipboard and aerial surveillance systems will be able to monitor targets regardless of visibility conditions. POMPEII will offer an extended range of performance, thus ensuring rapid acquisition of necessary information. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of POMPEII by comparing the range and image quality of POMPEII with a baseline and state-of-the-art systems via simulation and experiment. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a stand-alone imager capable of real-time measurements, with a 10X improvement in detection and recognition range over current systems. Benefits: POMPEII will enable the Navy and Coast Guard to monitor naval traffic in low visibility conditions, thus facilitating harbor monitoring and tracking of potentially hostile vessels, as well as enhancing law enforcement's ability to monitor smuggling. Its multispectral imaging approach includes a thermal imaging band, thus enabling POMPEII to operate at night and in low-light conditions. POMPEII can also be employed on manned and unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance in foggy or dusty conditions. Commercial applications of POMPEII include advanced video surveillance for improved security, safety systems for vehicles that operate in low visibility conditions, and, with suitable modifications, fire monitoring by penetrating smoke and falling ash. Return