We are looking for partners and customers: for Polarimetric detection systems of our own design

Polarimetric detection systems

Our team develops and produces portable devices that can be deployed on small UAVs (2-3 kg weight capacity), and that provide high information potential of polarization methods for detecting visibility, localization, unmasking and increasing contrast on the outside of potentially dangerous objects, objects and plots, viewing:

– Mine, other unsafe items and their possible placement, including under the ball on the ground;

– drifting sea mines and other small objects on the surface of the water;

– optical devices in the green zone, then;

– lethal devices, incl. UAVs and drones, loitering ammunition;

– transport features, which are disguised with piece coverings.

– remote sensing of agricultural crops, weeds, soil, fertilizers, etc.

– search for brown copalins

The development of experimental polarimetric systems, both separate and as part of optical instrument complexes, has been actively carried out since the late 80s. They revealed the classical approach of obtaining polarization-differential images to increase the contrast of the target in turbid environments. In real conditions, such environments can be: a thick layer of water, fog, dust or smoke.

In parallel with the improvement of the technique for obtaining polarization images, work began on methods for processing these images to increase the contrast of targets and even increase the reliability of their recognition, on a real scale. Work was also carried out on the development of compact polarimetric systems in the visible and IR ranges.

It is now clearly established that the analysis of the polarization of reflected, scattered and re-emitted light radiation by objects is promising from the point of view of tactical application, especially for detecting objects against a natural background and camouflage. Polarization studies in the infrared and optical ranges, which are actively conducted by military, scientific and civilian organizations around the world, show that artificial objects emit and reflect light with a relatively high degree of polarization, while light from a natural background is predominantly unpolarized.

Modern developments and research into polarization detection systems are being conducted in several parallel directions. In particular:

• Development of new and improvement of existing polarization systems and measurement algorithms, in order to increase measurement accuracy, measurement speed and increase noise immunity.

• Development of polarization-sensitive sensors with polarization contrast close to systems with discrete elements, including by improving the sensor calibration procedure.

• Development of effective specialized methods for processing polarization images, including those involving artificial intelligence, to maximize the reliability of target detection in the image.

Today, passive polarization systems demonstrate maximum efficiency in the infrared range of 1-8 microns. In particular, an increase in the contrast of man-made objects against the background of the natural environment has been achieved compared to classical optical radars. For example: in passive mode, polarization systems in the infrared range (SWIR, MWIR) are mainly considered as a way to increase the contrast of ground-based explosive objects against the background of the natural environment Fig. 1 – Fig. 2.

Active polarization systems (with illumination of the observation scene) demonstrate increased detection efficiency in the visible and near-infrared ranges. In particular, space sensing with circularly polarized radiation is optimal in conditions of fog, dust, and smoke.

Although some types of camouflage are effectively detected against a natural background and in passive mode Fig. 3 – Fig. 4.

The effectiveness of detecting camouflage and other objects can be increased by using modern methods of processing polarization images Fig. 5.

What we can do:

We develop and manufacture various polarimetric systems for detecting targets of various types, which have significant defensive and tactical potential, especially with the advent of polarization-sensitive photodetectors with integrated polarization components, or are of great importance for civilian applications. To ensure the best efficiency of our devices, we integrate our polarization components into traditional polarimetric surveillance systems, which allows us to reduce the size of the final specialized equipment, simplify data registration and processing, and conduct real-time surveillance, including dynamic scenes. In addition, the involvement of neural networks in information processing opens up avenues not only for detection, but also for identification of objects in real time. Thus, improving polarization systems will provide a tangible advantage over the enemy in terms of defensive capabilities and tactical and technical reconnaissance capabilities.