Low-contrast target detection using polarized Streak Tube Imaging Lidar

Streak Tube Imaging Lidar (STIL) is provided with the characteristics of high resolution, high detection sensitivity, and wide field of view (FOV). It is a new type laser radar, and has actual application. For the low-contrast condition, image segment becomes difficult to STIL, which will influence on the detection/recognizing rate. In order to resolve the problem, a new polarized STIL imaging system is presented. Its structure is designed, which is included a polarizer and a Wollaston prism to the transmitting and receiving system, respectively. The polarized STIL can simultaneously collect the two polarization images. Through image processing and computing, the intensity and DOP images with high resolution are obtained, which can provide the rich information of targets. The far distance imaging experiments that the part target is hidden in the clutter are carried out. The results state that the polarization images have high-contrast, and it is easy to segment target from the background.