Abstract: A method of remotely sensing an object includes: collecting photons from the object; directing the photons down pathways, wherein photons in each of the pathways have a different polarization state; detecting photons in each of the pathways using at least one optical detector, wherein the photons in each of the polarization states produce a signal; receiving, with at least one processor in communication with the at least one optical detector, signals corresponding to the photons in the pathways; determining, with the at least one processor and for a segment of the signals, at least one of: an angle of linear polarization, a degree of polarization, and a degree of circular polarization; and generating a signal corresponding to a sequential output of the angle of linear polarization, degree of polarization, or the degree of circular polarization for each segment.

Abstract: A photo-acoustic polarimetric remote sensing apparatus includes a telescope that directs visible light photons from an object. A polarizing beam splitter is in optical alignment with the telescope. The polarizing beam splitter has first and second pathways corresponding to first and second polarization states, respectively. The first and second pathways are substantially perpendicular. A first photodetector is in optical alignment with the first pathway, and a second photodetector is in optical alignment with the second pathway. At least one processor is in communication with the first and second photodetectors. The at least one processor generates a signal corresponding to a degree of linear polarization of the photons over time, and the signal is indicative of an acoustic signature of the object.

Abstract: A photo-acoustic polarimetric remote sensing apparatus includes a telescope that directs visible light photons from an object. A polarizing beam splitter is in optical alignment with the telescope. The polarizing beam splitter has first and second pathways corresponding to first and second polarization states, respectively. The first and second pathways are substantially perpendicular. A first photodetector is in optical alignment with the first pathway, and a second photodetector is in optical alignment with the second pathway. At least one processor is in communication with the first and second photodetectors. The at least one processor generates a signal corresponding to a degree of linear polarization of the photons over time, and the signal is indicative of an acoustic signature of the object.