Design of a noncooled fiber collimator for compact, high-efficiency fiber laser arrays.

A high-power fiber laser collimator and array of collimators are described with optical architecture, allowing one to transmit almost 100% of the full power output from fiber facets. In the case of coherent beam combining, more than 70% of the full power can be focused into a diffraction limited spot determined by the diameter of the conformal aperture. The truncated-Gaussian beam tails are not trapped inside the array but are redirected through the output lenses and dispersed outside of the array along with the main collimated beam, thus eliminating the requirement for cooling the array. Detailed analysis is presented for the beam tail propagation geometry's dependence on array optical parameters, including the interior redirecting lenses. The parasitic scattering from imperfections of the interior lenses is estimated to be as small as a few watts when 1.5-2 kW is emitted by each fiber facet.

Improving cross-modal face recognition using polarimetric imaging.

We investigate the performance of polarimetric imaging in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum for cross-modal face recognition. For this work, polarimetric imagery is generated as stacks of three components: the conventional thermal intensity image (referred to as S0), and the two Stokes images, S1 and S2, which contain combinations of different polarizations. The proposed face recognition algorithm extracts and combines local gradient magnitude and orientation information from S0, S1, and S2 to generate a robust feature set that is well-suited for cross-modal face recognition. Initial results show that polarimetric LWIR-to-visible face recognition achieves an 18% increase in Rank-1 identification rate compared to conventional LWIR-to-visible face recognition. We conclude that a substantial improvement in automatic face recognition performance can be achieved by exploiting the polarization-state of radiance, as compared to using conventional thermal imagery.

Enhanced facial recognition for thermal imagery using polarimetric imaging.

We present a series of long-wave-infrared (LWIR) polarimetric-based thermal images of facial profiles in which polarization-state information of the image-forming radiance is retained and displayed. The resultant polarimetric images show enhanced facial features, additional texture, and details that are not present in corresponding conventional thermal imagery. It has been generally thought that conventional thermal imagery (MidIR or LWIR) could not produce the detailed spatial information required for reliable human identification due to the so-called "ghosting" effect often seen in thermal imagery of human subjects. By using polarimetric information, we are able to extract subtle surface features of the human face, thus improving subject identification. Polarimetric image sets considered include the conventional thermal intensity image, S0, the two Stokes images, S1 and S2, and a Stokes image product called the degree-of-linear-polarization image.

Three-dimensional facial recognition using passive long-wavelength infrared polarimetric imaging.

We use a polarimetric camera to record the Stokes parameters and the degree of linear polarization of long-wavelength infrared radiation emitted by human faces. These Stokes images are combined with Fresnel relations to extract the surface normal at each pixel. Integrating over these surface normals yields a three-dimensional facial image. One major difficulty of this technique is that the normal vectors determined from the polarizations are not unique. We overcome this problem by introducing an additional boundary condition on the subject. The major sources of error in producing inversions are noise in the images caused by scattering of the background signal and the ambiguity in determining the surface normals from the Fresnel coefficients.

Remote detection of buried land-mines and IEDs using LWIR polarimetric imaging.

We report results of an ongoing study designed to assess the ability for enhanced detection of recently buried land-mines and/or improvised explosive devices (IED) devices using passive long-wave infrared (LWIR) polarimetric imaging. Polarimetric results are presented for a series of field tests conducted at various locations and soil types. Well-calibrated Stokes images, S0, S1, S2, and the degree-of-linear-polarization (DoLP) are recorded for different line-of-sight (LOS) slant paths at varying distances. Results span a three-year time period in which three different LWIR polarimetric camera systems are used. All three polarimetric imaging platforms used a spinning-achromatic-retarder (SAR) design capable of achieving high polarimetric frame rates and good radiometric throughput without the loss of spatial resolution inherent in other optical designs. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis and a standardized contrast parameter are used to compare detectability between conventional LWIR thermal and polarimetric imagery. Results suggest improved detectability, regardless of geographic location or soil type.

Selective real-time detection of gaseous nerve agent simulants using multiwavelength photoacoustics.

An optical detection method is presented that is designed to detect and identify the presence of macromolecular gas species (e.g., organophosphate-based nerve agent simulants) at trace level concentrations. The technique is based on a modified version of conventional laser photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy, in which optical absorption is typically measured using a single laser source. We demonstrate the ability to simultaneously measure multiple absorption-related parameters that serve as a concentration-independent identifier. Three continuous wave mid-infrared laser sources, operating at 8.68, 9.29, and 10.35 µm, are combined and propagated axially through a specially designed flow through PA cell. Each laser is modulated at a different frequency and the resultant acoustic signal(s) are detected and deconvolved using a PC-based 24 bit dynamic signal acquisition device. Species detection and identification is achieved by tabulating independent ratios of the acoustic response for each laser source. Quantitative absorption measured is verified using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Results show good detection and species separation/identification at moderately low ppm concentrations.

Spatial filtering technique to image and measure two-dimensional near-forward scattering from single particles.

This work describes the design and use of an optical apparatus to measure the far-field elastic light-scattering pattern for a single particle over two angular-dimensions. A spatial filter composed of a mirror with a small through-hole is used to enable collection of the pattern uncommonly close to the forward direction; to within tenths of a degree. Minor modifications of the design allow for the simultaneous measurement of a particle's image along with its two-dimensional scattering pattern. Example measurements are presented involving single micrometer-sized glass spherical particles confined in an electrodynamic trap and a dilute suspension of polystyrene latex particles in water. A small forward-angle technique, called Guinier analysis, is used to determine a particle-size estimate directly from the measured pattern without a priori knowledge of the particle refractive index. Comparison of these size estimates to those obtained by fitting the measurements to Mie theory reveals relative errors low as 2%.

In situ infrared aerosol spectroscopy for a variety of nerve agent simulants using flow-through photoacoustics.

We present newly measured results of an ongoing experimental program established to measure optical cross sections in the mid- and long-wave infrared for a variety of chemically and biologically based aerosols. For this study we consider only chemically derived aerosols, and in particular, a group of chemical compounds often used as simulants for the detection of extremely toxic organophosphorus nerve agents. These materials include: diethyl methylphosphonate (DEMP), dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). As reported in a prior study [Appl. Opt. 44, 4001 (2005)], we combine two optical techniques well suited for aerosol spectroscopy [i.e., flow-through photoacoustics and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) emission spectroscopy], to measure in situ the absolute extinction and absorption cross sections over a variety of wavelengths spanning the IR spectral region from 3 to 13 mum. Aerosol size distribution(s), particle number density, and dosimetric measurements are recorded simultaneously in order to present optical cross sections that are aerosol mass normalized, i.e., m(2)/gram. Photoacoustic results, conducted at a series of CO(2) laser lines, compare well with measured broadband FTIR spectral extinction. Both FTIR and photoacoustic data also compare well with Mie theory calculations based on measured size distributions and previously published complex indices of refraction.

Effect of surface roughness and complex indices of refraction on polarized thermal emission.

We present a series of measurements characterizing the dependence of polarized thermal emission on surface roughness. In particular, we measure the spectrally resolved degree of linear polarization (DOLP) for a series of roughened borosilicate (Pyrex) glass substrates as a function of the roughness parameter Ra, the root-mean-square slope distribution, and observation angle theta. Also measured are a series of smooth glass substrates coated with two particular polymers of interest, i.e., a common commercially available Krylon paint and a chemical-agent-resistant coating paint. The DOLP is measured over a 4-13 microm wave band by using a modified Fourier transform IR spectrometer in which a wire-grid polarizer and a quarter-wave Fresnel rhomb are used in conjunction to measure all four Stokes parameters. In addition, we show an enhanced DOLP due to anomalous dispersion exhibited by the surface material.

In situ measurement of the infrared absorption and extinction of chemical and biologically derived aerosols using flow-through photoacoustics.

In an effort to establish a more reliable set of optical cross sections for a variety of chemical and biological aerosol simulants, we have developed a flow-through photoacoustic system that is capable of measuring absolute, mass-normalized extinction and absorption cross sections. By employing a flow-through design we avoid issues associated with closed aerosol photoacoustic systems and improve sensitivity. Although the results shown here were obtained for the tunable CO2 laser waveband region, i.e., 9.20-10.80 microm, application to other wavelengths is easily achievable. The aerosols considered are categorized as biological, chemical, and inorganic in origin, i.e., Bacillus atrophaeus endospores, dimethicone silicone oil (SF-96 grade 50), and kaolin clay powder (alumina and silicate), respectively. Results compare well with spectral extinction measured previously by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Comparisons with Mie theory calculations based on previously published complex indices of refraction and measured size distributions are also presented.

Measured infrared optical cross sections for a variety of chemical and biological aerosol simulants.

We conducted a series of spectral extinction measurements on a variety of aerosolized chemical and biological simulants over the spectral range 3-13 microm using conventional Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) aerosol spectroscopy. Samples consist of both aerosolized particulates and atomized liquids. Materials considered include Bacillus subtilis endospores, lyophilized ovalbumin, polyethylene glycol, dimethicone (SF-96), and three common background materials: kaolin clay (hydrated aluminum silicate), Arizona road dust (primarily SiO2), and diesel soot. Aerosol size distributions and mass density were measured simultaneously with the FTIR spectra. As a result, all optical parameters presented here are mass normalized, i.e., in square meters per gram. In an effort to establish the utility of using Mie theory to predict such parameters, we conducted a series of calculations. For materials in which the complex indices of refraction are known, e.g., silicone oil (SF-96) and kaolin, measured size distributions were convolved with Mie theory and the resultant spectral extinction calculated. Where there was good agreement between measured and calculated extinction spectra, absorption, total scattering, and backscatter were also calculated.