Polarimetric considerations to optimize lidar detection of immersed targets

Abstract

The possibility of correctly detecting immersed targets with a lidar through the air-water interface is discussed in this paper. The water surface roughness, in relation with wind direction, greatly disturbs light dispersion. Nevertheless, a detection of immersed targets is always possible. This paper reports on an attempt to improve the quality of detection. It was carried out by a polarimetric coding of optical signals based upon the Stokes-Mueller polarimetric formalism, and by choosing a special orientation for the transceiver.