Statement_of_Work.pdf

Polarimetric Hyperspectral Imaging (P-HSI) Research Support Statement of Work

Background:

The detection, identification, and localization of lost or hidden ionizing radiation sources are primary concerns in the counter-proliferation of nuclear and radiological weapons.

This problem is complicated by complex and dynamic backgrounds and the possibility of shielded and moving sources. A major driver of uncertainty in radiation source search problems stems from inaccuracies in the description of the background, as well as the physical environment through with the radioactive source moves.

Computational nuclear transport models are key to (1) interpreting radiological detection data; (2) determining ideal sensor placement for specific detection missions; (3) understanding performance and CONOPS optimization for operational and future platforms.

Oftentimes however, the models are simplified due to a lack of information about the source environment. For example, if the material composition of a particular city block of buildings is not known, the analyst may assume some standard composition for all the buildings in order to build the computer model. This can be problematic if the material properties (i.e.

density, composition of elements, and atomic numbers) are drastically different from building to building.

Polarimetric hyperspectral imaging (P-HSI) is an emerging technology with potential to characterize complex environments in a more meaningful fashion, so that the radiation transport models can provide potentially more accurate results. For example, hyperspectral imaging can be used to identify various materials in the scene. Once a material has been identified (and thereby associated with its complex index of refraction), the polarization information can then be used to estimate surface properties, such as its orientation and morphology. Measuring polarimetric and spectral data at the same pixel eliminates image registration errors. By combining the two-dimensional imagery with material and surface orientation information, more realistic models of the background environment can be constructed.

Hypothesis Statement:

The fusion of nuclear spectroscopy and imaging, nuclear transport models, and P-HSI will improve detection sensitivity and localization accuracy for radioactive sources located in complex environments (i.e. cities).

The focus of this project is to explore the validity of this hypothesis and to fully identify the utilities and limitations of P-HSI for improved detection sensitivity.

Air Force Institute of Technology Requirements The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) requires the services of a(n)expert(s) to support feasibility studies related to research efforts in the area of advanced polarimetric hyperspectral imaging (P-HSI). The purpose is to explore novel methods leveraging P- HSI to enhance the ability to detect, locate, and classify ionizing sources of radiation.

This project requires the technical expertise of the contractor to improve the speed at which AFIT’s current data reduction algorithms for P-HSI operate. This will allow AFIT to focus the research effort on novel development of P-HSI capability. To help AFIT efficiently develop P-HSI for improved detection, location, and classification of ionizing radiation, the best-suited contractors would ideally have a background in both hyper-spectral imaging and polarimetry. Additionally, experience in materials science is desired, as it is key to leveraging the polarimetry sensing modality for the ionizing radiation detection problem. Most importantly, the required synergy between optical remote sensing via P-HSI and ionizing radiation detection means that experience in the detection and imaging of ionizing radiation sources is also valued. The ultimate goal of fusing P-HSI imaging with ionizing radiation detection and imaging requires a strong understanding of how the two fields of research support and complement one another.

There will be a strong effort to search for correlations in both P-HSI and ionizing radiation spectroscopy data when interrogating the same source scene. To understand the physical basis for any observed correlations, understanding of both detection modalities is required.

Research Feasibility Study Objectives:

• Develop a clear understanding of the utility and limitations of P-HSI for accurate background scene characterization to support more accurate results from nuclear transport models.

• Explore and develop novel or advanced concepts for P-HSI that can improve the ability of a radiation detection network to find and characterize lost or hidden ionizing radiation sources.

• Understand correlations between features found in PHSI data, ionizing radiation data, and transport modeling results. Once correlations are understood, it is then possible to develop approximations and simplifications to the real scene, to make the radiation transport codes more efficient.

Deliverables:

1. Research consultation on the development of advanced P-HSI capabilities. The contractor in conjunction with AFIT will identify emerging trends in the field of P-HSI that can enhance the ability of current radiation detection networks to locate and characterize lost or hidden ionization radiation sources.

2. Plan, execute, and document experiments which

a. Characterize P-HSI instrument performance

b. Characterize the benefits of simultaneous collection of polarimetric and hyper-spectral imaging for material identification and target detection

c. Validate and/or lead to improved models for P-HSI data interpretation

3. Optimize MATLAB algorithms developed for P-HSI calibration, data reduction, visualization, and modeling.

4. Perform technical literature searches to keep abreast of emerging trends in the fields of polarimetric imaging and hyperspectral imaging.

5. Produce and give technical presentations on experimental work and algorithm development.

6. Provide performance status reports each month.

Required Capabilities:

• Experience in Hyperspectral Imaging or Polarimetric Imaging

Desired Capabilities:

The contractor will have capabilities and demonstrated experience in the following areas:

• Hyperspectral imaging, with an emphasis on materials identification.

• Polarimetric imaging, with an emphasis on surface orientation and surface morphology characterization

• Experience operating and calibrating a long-wave (8-12 µm) or mid-wave (1.5-

5.5 µm) infrared Telops Hyper-Cam polarimetric imaging spectrometer

• Ionizing radiation detectors and understanding response functions for both neutrons and gamma rays.

• Background in Monte Carlo nuclear transport codes (specifically MCNP and GEANT) used to model radiation detection environments and detector response.

Selection Process:

Contractors should provide the following materials to aid in the selection process:

• Curriculum vitae (extended résumé) for each proposed person(s)

• A written summary of qualifications for each proposed person(s) as they relate to the research objectives of this project and the proposed person's capabilities to perform the work leading to the deliverables

• A paragraph detailing each proposed person’s experiences in each of the following key areas: Hyperspectral Imaging, Polarimetric Imaging, Nuclear Transport. Indicate any direct experience with the Telops Polarimetric Hyperspectral Imager (P-HSI), other HSI equipment, and/or other Polarimetric Imaging (PI) equipment. Indicate any direct experience with Nuclear Radiation Detection (NRD) equipment, as well as any direct experience with Neutral Particle Transport (NPT) codes such as MCNP and GEANT.

• One or more technical publications authored or co-authored by one or more of the proposed persons. Peer-reviewed publications that appear in the archival literature are preferred. (Provide reprint as well as full reference to publication.) Technical publications which overlap with P-HSI, HSI, PI, NRD, and/or NPT are preferred.

Period of Performance: 20 July 2013 – 19 July 2014