Object detection and characterization by monostatic ladar Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) using polarimetric discriminants

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore novel monostatic ladar detection principles utilizing polarimetric Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and single-pixel detection parameters. The depolarization of backscattered elliptical polarized light beams, from extended area space materials, was studied at different sample orientations. Specifically, the depolarization ratio for both linearly and circularly polarized light waves was estimated under quasimonostatic transceiver geometry. The experimental results indicate that space object materials exhibit distinct depolarization signatures, which provide enhanced discrimination capabilities. The outcome of this study would enhance the monostatic-ladar detection and discrimination capabilities.

Active Polarimetric Measurements for Identification and Characterization of Space Debris

“…Overall, the trends identified in TABLE 3 and TABLE 4 follow expected patterns and agree with previous studies [13,17,18]. At specular points, metallic surfaces (i.e., aluminum and titanium) exhibited mirror-like behavior (D = 0, R = 180º, Δ = 0), while paints and thin films (e.g., Kapton ® ) were diattenuating (D > 0) as expected from Fresnel reflection.…”

“…Such small debris can cause catastrophic damage in a collision, yet cannot be tracked reliably with other techniques because of their small cross sections and orbital instability [12]. The space surveillance community continually seeks more efficient and robust techniques for detecting and discriminating space debris [13].…”

“…Previous studies have performed bench-top experiments to measure polarimetric features of space materials (i.e., "coupon" samples, as opposed to 3D objects) as a function of geometry. Giakos et al [13] measured materials over a small range of angles in a quasi-monostatic geometry (i.e., 10º separation between source and detector) at a wavelength of λ = 830 nm and noted that Teflon ®coated aluminum was more depolarizing than mylar-or Kapton ® -coated aluminum. Giakos et al [16] and Peterman [17] made quasi-monostatic (i.e., 2.5º separation) measurements (concentrating on the specular peak) at λ = 1065 nm and discovered differences in the diattenuation, retardance, and depolarization power of amorphous-and poly-silicon solar panels, mylar, and Kapton ® .…”

Semi‐active laser/millimetre wave beam combiner design and test

“…The material of the beam combiner is PTFE which is used as a standard test plate for ladar or lidar test system generally [14,15]. The laser damage threshold of the beam combiner is about 60 J/cm 2 at 1.064 μm under the standard atmospheric pressure [16].…”

Next-Generation Reconfigurable Nanoantennas and Polarization of Light

“…Polarimetric characterization, visualization, and sensing offers unique advantages for a wide range of detection and classification problems due to its intrinsic potential for high contrast and a dynamic range in different technological areas, spanning remote sensing, material characterization, industrial inspection, and medical imaging. It offers unique optical, chemical, mechanical, morphological, biological, and metabolic information regarding material composition and surface characteristics, including the underlying physical mechanisms [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Flat optics encompasses nanostructures consisting of nanometer-size-spaced optical scatterers—also known as metasurfaces or meta-optics [ 4 , 12 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ].…”