A LWIR hyperspectral imager using a Sagnac interferometer and cooled HgCdTe detector array

Paul G. Lucey; Mark Wood; Sarah T. Crites; Jason Akagi

doi:10.1117/12.918970

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14 May 2012 A LWIR hyperspectral imager using a Sagnac interferometer and cooled HgCdTe detector array

Paul G. Lucey, Mark Wood, Sarah T. Crites, Jason Akagi

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Proceedings Volume 8390, Algorithms and Technologies for Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Ultraspectral Imagery XVIII; 83900Q (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918970
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

LWIR hyperspectral imaging has a wide range of civil and military applications with its ability to sense chemical compositions at standoff ranges. Most recent implementations of this technology use spectrographs employing varying degrees of cryogenic cooling to reduce sensor self-emission that can severely limit sensitivity. We have taken an interferometric approach that promises to reduce the need for cooling while preserving high resolution. Reduced cooling has multiple benefits including faster system readiness from a power off state, lower mass, and potentially lower cost owing to lower system complexity. We coupled an uncooled Sagnac interferometer with a 256x320 mercury cadmium telluride array with an 11 micron cutoff to produce a spatial interferometric LWIR hyperspectral imaging system operating from 7.5 to 11 microns. The sensor was tested in ground-ground applications, and from a small aircraft producing spectral imagery including detection of gas emission from high vapor pressure liquids.

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Paul G. Lucey, Mark Wood, Sarah T. Crites, and Jason Akagi "A LWIR hyperspectral imager using a Sagnac interferometer and cooled HgCdTe detector array", Proc. SPIE 8390, Algorithms and Technologies for Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Ultraspectral Imagery XVIII, 83900Q (14 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918970

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