Laser multi-spectral polarimetric diffuse scatter (LAMPODS) imaging is an approach that maps an object intrinsic optical scattering properties rather than the scattered light intensity like in conventional imaging. The technique involves comprehensive measurements of the object scattering response function that is to be parameterized with respect to wavelength, polarization, and angular scattering distribution. The LAMPODS images are mappings of the derived parameters, which are more fundamental than conventional images.

The LAMPODS imaging system was built based on a system architecture design configured similarly to an optical wireless network that allows multiple communication connections simultaneously among any number of transmitters and receivers. The imaging system was implemented into several sets of experimental apparatuses that can detect Stokes vectors of backward and forward scattered light with laser sources at seven near infrared (NIR) wavelengths and a continuous mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral range for both macroscopic and microscopic scan imaging applications. The system components, such as transmitters, receivers, image scan unit, and the data acquisition module, were built and/or tested to match the system-design requirements, which involved many optical, opto-mechanical, electronic, and computer programming/interfacing techniques and skills.

The experiments performed include the study on the LAMPODS capability with isolated aspects of scattering response, and the test of LAMPODS on uncontrolled subjects. With special-made targets, the results indicate that the LAMPODS system can distinguish consistently the four produced random surface roughnesses, regardless of the subjects? Spectroscopic signature, and can separate the spectroscopic features independently. Various natural and man-made targets were tested to challenge the LAMPODS system capability and found many interesting features regarding spectral response, polarimetric response, and surface roughness/texture, some of which were chosen as examples with certain dominant scattering aspects.

The experimental results are promising with unique features uncovered and interpreted that are unseen or ambiguous in conventional images. It has been proved that LAMPODS is a novel technology with powerful capabilities for target discrimination based on optics principles rather than phenomenological image processing.