Abstract: A polarimetric imaging apparatus (2) and method for distinguishing objects of interest within a scene, said apparatus comprising means for resolving electromagnetic radiation received from the scene having a first substantially circular polarisation state into a first image and for resolving electromagnetic radiation received from the scene having a substantially circular polarisation state of opposite handedness to that of the first circular polarisation state into a second image so as to identify differences there-between, and means for providing an output indicative of the difference there-between, wherein the resolving means is arranged in use to resolve said electromagnetic radiation into said first and second images successively.