SPECTRAL IMAGING: Active hyperspectral sensing and imaging for remote spectroscopy applications

摘要

A novel, laser-based hyperspectral imaging technology can detect minute quantities of threat materials at range, with applications from defense and security to the oil and gas industries. Advances in infrared (IR) lasers and detectors have been critically enabling for a wide range of sensing applications in different markets. Optical techniques offer the potential of contact-free detection, extremely high sensitivity, and the ability to detect a wide range of species. This is possible because every substance has a unique spectral signature associated with its specific molecules and bonding structure. Hyperspectral imaging describes a remote sensing technology that allows the user to perform high-resolution spectroscopy on a scene from distance to identify and visualize the different substances present. However, in scenarios where the object of interest is at a significant distance from the observer (often tens of meters), high-resolution spectroscopy and sensing can be challenging. This is especially true when trying to detect minute quantities of complex gases, liquids, or solids in dynamic environments with confounding spectral backgrounds.