| Abstract: | A polarization-sensitive infrared image sensor (also termed a snapshot
polarimeter) utilizing a 2-D array of polarizers to filter infrared light
from a scene according to polarization, and a 2-D array of photodetectors
(i.e. a focal plane array) to detect the filtered infrared light and
generate polarization information which can be used to form a
polarization-sensitive image of the scene. By forming each polarizer on
an optical fiber in a fiber optic faceplate, the polarizers can be
located facing a 2-D array of retarders to minimize diffraction effects
of the infrared light. The optical fibers also guide the filtered
infrared light to the photodetectors to reduce cross-talk in the
polarization information. The polarizers can be formed as wire grid
polarizers; and the retarders can be formed as subwavelength
surface-relief gratings. |