In a low signal-noise (clutter) ratio complex background environment or under the meteorological conditions such as low-visibility haze, polarized optical imaging detection boasts a lot of advantages that are beyond all comparison of traditional intensity imaging detection, making it have extremely high scientific research value and application value in fields of suppressing noise, improving imaging contrast, highlighting information on target details, increasing detection distance, and strengthening target identification and detection ability. There have been various kinds of polarized optical imaging systems advanced and developed by many domestic and foreign research institutions, however, no any real-time color polarized optical imaging system able to realize full-polarization-state simultaneous detection has been reported.

    Research Fellow Ren Liyong with the Information Photonics Room, XIOPM has made important progress in the project of “Research and Development the Model of Real-time Color Polarized Imaging Camera Technology” as an independent “1-3-5” one of XIOPM during the 12th Five-Year Plan period after one and half a year of tackling of technological problems, firstly realized breakthrough at home in full-polarization-state simultaneous-detection technology and real-time polarized imaging and demisting technology, developed the first model of real-time color polarized imaging camera in China, and reached the level leading domestically. The project has been completed and given acceptance recently.

    The polarization camera based on the technology can be used for real-time tracing and detection of mobile targets, camouflage targets and low-contrast targets; and for sight-improving detection of targets in smoke haze, thin cloud and muddy underwater environment. The technology can be rapidly transplanted to existing optical imaging system and serve as an effective supplement to existing detection means.

    Relevant research achievements have been published in the international periodicals of Optics Express, Journal of Applied Physics, Photonics Research, Optics and Laser Technology, and 3 invention patents have been applied for correspondingly.

Picture of physical model of polarized imaging camera