Hyperspectral Imaging

Hyperspectral imaging systems are a powerful tool for non-contact or remote sensing of molecular chemical information of material quality or composition. Fields of application for this technology include; agriculture, pharmaceuticals, polymer sciences, material sciences, forensics, pathology, bio-medicine, ecological and geological studies.

Hyperspectral imaging usually refers to taking data in many, often contiguous wavelength bands, while multi-spectral imaging uses just a few wavelength bands, which may be separated from each other. These techniques have also been called chemical imaging, because one can build systems to map uniformity of chemical compositions. When used in the short wave infrared (SWIR), this is particularly true; the molecular vibrations associated with common molecular bonds like O-H, N-H and C-H can be detected directly, as can unique spectral identification information about the materials containing them.

Below is a US Government photograph of Arizona mining operations captured with hyperspectral imaging..

Hyperspectral imaging combines taking pictures of a scene or object, with a spectral view at each point of resolution in the scene. The result is a 3 dimensional data set that can be sliced to view multiple images at separate wavelengths, or sliced to show how the spectra vary along different spatial positions across the image in one direction. If the acquisition system or the object is moving, a 4th dimension of time is added.

Sensors Unlimited manufactures linear arrays, linescan cameras, and matrix or 2-D cameras, all of which are used in types of SWIR and Vis-SWIR hyperspectral and multi-spectral imaging systems. In order to make these systems, the cameras are easily mounted on imaging spectrometers, filter wheels or electronically tunable filters. Contact Sensors Unlimited to ask for more information about implementing your hyperspectral solution.

Many SWIR camera capabilities are considered sensitive. If you would like to learn more about SWIR capabilities for the military, you can register at a special web site, www.swirconops.com. You must be a US Government employee or a USG contractor and be a US Citizen to access this site.