Advanced Optical Technologies Inc. (AOT) will develop a next-generation laser polarimeter for the US Army under a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. The enhanced instrument will implement AOT’s polarization-components techniques, which apply machine-learning algorithms to polarimeter data for remote material classification. “Compared to passive polarimeters, which have already been fielded, active laser polarimeters provide additional information and enhanced capabilities for automated target recognition; real-time structural-health monitoring; thin-film, textile and polymer process monitoring; and debris mapping and assessment,” said CEO Dr. Brian G. Hoover. “Laser polarimetry is complementary to multispectral sensing and has similar market potential.” A prototype is expected to be ready for Army Night-Vision Labs field tests by mid-2014. For more information, visit: www.advanced-optical.com