Invention:
This invention uses broadband achromatic waveplates for a wide bandwidth polarimeter and polarization camera to covers visible, short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) regions. The design uses low loss optical materials to operate over a large bandwidth range for higher light collection efficiency, which leads to higher signal-to-noise ratio. It also measures the complete Stokes parameters and has broad end-use application in remote sensing, microscopy, industrial metrology, night vision, surveillance, and medical diagnostics.
Background:
Polarization imaging technologies were created to address the limitations of conventional cameras, which are unable to detect material stress, surface roughness, or reflection-related features that are revealed with polarization information. Existing polarization imaging solutions, including micro polarizer array sensors, offer real time imaging but endure reduced light throughput in the system, while liquid crystal based waveplates can have limited bandwidth or require bulky multi-element structures that are sensitive to alignment and temperature. These constraints create a clear need for broadband and compact polarization imaging components that maintain consistent performance across wide spectral ranges.
Applications:
- Remote sensing
- Medical diagnosis
- Surveillance
- Night vision
- Microscopy
- Industrial metrology
Advantages:
- Multiple broadbands
- Covers a wider bandwidth range
- Measures complete Stokes parameters
- High light collection efficiency
- High signal-to-noise ratio
- Improved measurement accuracy
- Flexibility
