In this paper, we will discuss a novel technology, which we have recently developed for automatic target detection and recognition by polarimetric imaging systems. This technology consists of an approach to non-cooperative small target detection that uses statistical techniques to exploit a target's Stokes vector infrared signature. This is applicable to sensors whose signature measurements are sensitive to the polarization ofthe targets and their backgrounds. Fusion is achieved by constructing

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... the joint statistical measures for the target's polarization states. Target polarization states are in terms ofthe intensity, percent of linear polarization, and the angle ofpolarization plane. Applications ofthe proposed approach, for military targets under variations in target geometry are made in terms of receiver operating characteristic condition curves. The new results, which have been obtained on data from the Air Force's IRMA polarimetric infrared simulation tool, indicate the usefulness of polarimetric infrared signatures for the automatic detection of small targets. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 13 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT unclassified b. ABSTRACT unclassified c. THIS PAGE unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18