A Polarized Light Source for the Thermal InfraRed using COTS Wire-Grid Polarizers

This invention is a thin wire filament that can produce polarized thermal emission when heated. Using commercial off the shelf wire-grid elements, a polarized thermal source with an extended spatial profile can be fabricated. Such a well-characterized polarized source in the thermal infrared can be used for the verification, validation, and in-flight calibration of airborne and space-based thermal polarimeters.

Background: 
Traditional calibration technologies for polarimeters use either a Sodium light source or a standard quartz crystal designed for the specific application. 

Applications: 

• Defense and aerospace
• Mobile communications networks
• Geographic Information Systems
• Engineering

Advantages: 

• High level of consistency
• Uses commercial off the shelf elements
• Can be used in a variety of applications