Adaptive Hyperspectral Sensor

We propose to design and model a unique spectral imaging sensor that will be capable of adaptively measuring the spectra of surprise events anywhere within a large field of view at greater than video rates. The approach will utilize recent developments in direct view prism design to create adaptive spectral sensor. The new sensor will be capable of continuously variable spectral resolution of from 1 to 80 spectral bands in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR), but the technology can be implemented in other optical bands (e.g. in the visible or long-wave infrared bands). The new sensor will consist of a pair of direct-view prisms, an InSb image sensor, a digital signal processor and a display device. The new sensor head will have a small physical form factor and be consistent with field deployment. The continuous spectral resolving power of proposed sensor is unique. The design and development of this sensor represents a unique opportunity in hyperspectral sensing.