We Sense Differently

Polaris has dedicated years of development to imaging systems for military, commercial, and scientific entities. We provide research and development, build prototypes, and integrate and test optical systems for custom and technically challenging applications. Our systems provide daylight detail in the dark and visibility in low contrast conditions with real-time image processing. Our sensors capture, measure, display, and enhance images which can be colored to display critical data. Our acquisition and tracking systems address demanding applications for low contrast and multiple target scenarios. Our hypersonic team is developing a novel suite of instruments to characterize the aero-optical effects at high speeds. We specialize in polarized optical systems and often exploit polarization to enhance conventional imagery. From concept to prototype to product, Polaris offers custom sensor and algorithm solutions in any of the visible, near-, short-, mid-, and long-wave infrared spectral bands.

The Power of Polarization

The power of polarization is a property of light that offers more information than traditional sensors, and details can be extracted from a scene that is not readily apparent in conventional thermal or visible imagers. The polarization signature of certain objects, such as man-made objects or natural substances that differ than the surrounding background, provide additional contrast in polarization imagery.

Polarization is special because man-made objects generally produce strong polarization signals relative to natural materials. Here are some features:

IR polarization signals result from preferential emission and reflection of polarized light.
The greater the angle of incidence, the greater the polarization signal.
The rougher the surface, the smaller the polarization signal.
Polarization signal does not depend on temperature difference.
Polarization enhances edges due to the abrupt change in surface orientations.

The Secret of Success

Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc. has assembled teams of specialists in the fields of polarimetry, optics, electro-optics, and opto-mechanical design. Combined, our staff provides a wide range of expertise to our customers. Whether we are developing sensors for the 21st century warfighter, formulating low-temperature obscurants, detecting oil on water, or tracking missiles, we continually evolve to meet our own expectations in delivering state-of-the-art services.

Polaris - Model PODS Pan-Tilt - Oil Detection System Datasheet