Polarimetry-Enhanced Imaging Toward Autonomous Solar Field and Receiver Inspections

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This project will develop imaging systems using polarimetry, which is the measurement of how light rays are aligned, or polarized. Measuring polarization has the potential to be much more sensitive than conventional optical measurements. The imaging systems will be small enough to attach to drones and be deployed to evaluate the performance of concentrating solar-thermal power collector systems. They can also be attached to CSP plant power towers. Autonomous imaging will reveal damage and soiling on collector mirrors, and reduce errors in mirror alignment, resulting in improved efficiency.