Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for an active sensing instrument actively utilizing the Christiansen effect to sense and adapt to suspended scatterers such as dust. The instrument enhances detection of remote surfaces that are partially or fully obscured at visual wavelengths due to those suspended scatterers. The system also may be used to measure properties and spatial distributions of the suspended scatterers themselves. Though the system is broadly applicable to remote detection through scattering media, it is particularly drawn to remote sensing through dust particles in the atmosphere as may be produced from helicopter fly-overs, dust storms, or other events that draw up substantial concentrations of mineral-based dust particles into the air.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide for imaging and identification of obscured objects. One system herein includes a volumetric data source comprising three dimensional (3D) imaging data of a scene, and a two dimensional (2D) image source comprising 2D image data of the scene. The system also includes a processor operable to process the 2D data and the 3D data to generate a model of a material obscuring an object in the scene from sensors providing the 2D data and the 3D data. The processor is further operable to refine the model with detection data of the material from the volumetric data source, to detect the material obscuring the object based on the refined model, to generate an image of the scene, and to remove data pertaining to the material from the image to reveal the object in the image.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide for imaging and identification of obscured objects. One system herein includes a volumetric data source comprising three dimensional (3D) imaging data of a scene, and a two dimensional (2D) image source comprising 2D image data of the scene. The system also includes a processor operable to process the 2D data and the 3D data to generate a model of a material obscuring an object in the scene from sensors providing the 2D data and the 3D data. The processor is further operable to refine the model with detection data of the material from the volumetric data source, to detect the material obscuring the object based on the refined model, to generate an image of the scene, and to remove data pertaining to the material from the image to reveal the object in the image.