Industrial polarization imager calibration

Objective

In recent years, there has been a revolution in imaging, with a new generation of polarization-sensitive cameras entering mass markets. As we have found out in our ERC-Synergy project (CloudCT), there is a gap in calibrating such cameras. This leads to degraded imaging data in downstream applications, preventing such cameras from reaching their full potential. We will develop a system for modular calibration of such imagers, that would be fast, easy to use and reliable under harsh working conditions, while generalizing the imaging capabilities of previous camera generations. In our ERC-Synergy CloudCT project, we developed an automated research-grade calibration system for polarization sensitive cameras on a small scale. In the PoC project, we aim to make a system which better suits industrial operation, harnessing our expertise in software development, optomechanics and environmental control. In addition, we will explore the commercialization potential of our calibration system in relevant markets. Our calibration system will significantly enhance quality control using industrial calibrated polarimetric imagers, as used in inspection of displays, circuits, automotive sensors and airborne and spaceborne cameras.