Efficient polarimetric detection of man-made targets

The purpose of this study is to explore the polarimetric phenomenology of 2-D signals in a variety of experimental scenarios. Polarimetric imaging offers unique advantages for a wide range of detection and classification problems. It relies on the preservation of polarization of backscattered light, while offering distinct signatures related to surface smoothness, orientation, and target composition. The line spread function (LSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF) of different targets have been studied under back scattered and polarimetric conditions. The images were analyzed with Adobe Photoshop and MATLAB 7.0. The results consistently show the improvement that polarimetric imaging provides.