Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method are provided for improving discrimination between parts of a scene enabling enhancement of an object in the scene. A camera unit is arranged to capture first and second images from the scene in first and second distinct and spectrally spaced apart wavebands. An image processing unit processes the images so captured and processes polarimetric information in the images to enable better discrimination between parts of the scene. An image of the scene, including a graphical display of the polarimetric information, may be displayed on a visual display unit thus enhancing an object in the scene for viewing by a user. Correlation parameters indicating, possibly on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the correlation between the actual image intensity at each angle of polarization and a modelled expected image intensity may be used to enhance the visibility of an object.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method are provided for improving discrimination between parts of a scene enabling enhancement of an object in the scene. A camera unit (12) is arranged to capture first and second images from the scene (8) in first and second distinct and spectrally spaced apart wavebands. An image processing unit (14) processes the images so captured and processes polarimetric information in the images to enable better discrimination between parts of the scene. An image of the scene, including a graphical display of the polarimetric information, may be displayed on a visual display unit (16) thus enhancing an object in the scene for viewing by a user. Correlation parameters indicating, possibly on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the correlation between the actual image intensity (30) at each angle of polarisation and a modelled expected image intensity may be used to enhance the visibility of an object.

Abstract: A switchable coupler (10) has a first waveguide (15) defining an inlet port (31) for a first unpolarized light input (A) and a first outlet port (32), and also a second waveguide (16) defining an inlet port (41) for a second unpolarized light input (13) and a second outlet port (42). Polarization splitter devices (11, 12) and two electro-optical switches (13,14) are sandwiched between the waveguides (15, 16). The polarization splitter devices (11, 12) are positioned to split the light inputs (A and B) into respective refracted and reflected polarized components (AL and AF; BL and BF), and the electro-optical switch (13) is operable by the application across it of a potential difference (+V) to recombine the polarized components (BL, BF) and to couple them with the light output AT through the first outlet port (32). As shown in FIG.

Abstract: A switchable coupler (10) has a first waveguide (15) defining an inlet port (31) for a first unpolarised light input (A) and a first outlet port (32), and also a second waveguide (16) defining an inlet port (41) for a second unpolarised light input (13) and a second outlet port (42). Polarisation splitter devices (11, 12) and two electro-optical switches (13,14) are sandwiched between the waveguides (15, 16). The polarisation splitter devices (11, 12) are positioned to split the light inputs (A and B) into respective refracted and reflected polarised components (AL and AF; BL and BF), and the electro-optical switch (13) is operable by the application across it of a potential difference (+V) to recombine the polarised components (BL, BF) and to couple them with the light output AT through the first outlet port (32). As shown in FIG.