Laser multi-spectral polarimetric diffuse-scatter imaging

Laser multi-spectral polarimetric diffuse scattering (LAMPODS) imaging is an approach that maps object intrinsic optical scattering properties rather than the scattered light intensity like in conventional imaging. The technique involves comprehensive measurements to parameterize object optical responses with respect to wavelength, polarization, and diffuse scattering. The derived parametric properties constitute LAMPODS images, which are more fundamental than conventional images. The application is to uncover and discriminate features that are not obvious or obtainable with conventional imaging. The experiments were performed for a number of targets, using near-infrared lasers. A system architecture design configured similarly to optical wireless network is described, which can be used as a design for a LAMPODS "camera". The results for a number of targets indicate unique LAMPODS capabilities to distinguish and classify features based on optics principles rather than phenomenological image processing. Examples of uncovering, enhancing, and interpreting target features, which are unseen or ambiguous in conventional images, are described.