Reflective Signatures of Unresolved Objects

We present a method for identifying, classifying, and distinguishing unresolved reflective objects. A forward model is developed to predict how the radiance field from a specular surface will be angularly distributed and how samples detected from that field can be used to infer surface profile characteristics. We present lab studies to validate the forward model and demonstrate unresolved object identification and classification. We demonstrate unresolved specular object identification for a 35 mm target at a 4.6 km and 50 mm targets at a 27.6 km range with a 28 cm aperture telescope. Preliminary observations for specular signatures of drones and helicopters are also presented.