PROCEEDINGS ARTICLE | May 3, 2006
Proc. SPIE. 6240, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing VII
KEYWORDS: Polarization, Birefringence, Imaging systems, Scattering, Cameras, Electrodes, Ceramics, Light scattering, Polarizers, Wave plates
Along with intensity and spectrum, the polarization of light carries abundant information. Polarization imaging has established strong interest for visual appearance measurement, based on its ability to analyze scattered light and for defense applications, thanks to its performances in term of object detection/identification. Image contrast enhancement and information on the objects (natural, man-made, detection of water bodies, 3D shape...) composing the scene can also be derived from the polarization analysis. In this paper, we will present an innovative polarization component based on ceramic PLZT and its integration in an imaging system. It will lead to a passive polarization camera that will measure the 4 Stokes parameters for each pixel of the image, in real-time, without any mechanical rotation and at high frame per second. Based on PLZT ceramic, we will present the design and the manufacturing of a rotatable and programmable waveplate. It will be the key component of a passive polarization imaging system. The component will be optimized, fabricated and integrated into a passive polarization camera. The performances of the polarization camera will be demonstrated in the laboratory. Measurement of Stokes vector for each pixel of the image will allow precise polarization measurement, leading to accurate analysis of the scattered light. Various parameters (gloss, color...) and images (polarization degree, surface scattering, volume scattering...) will be calculated from the Stokes parameters.
