Two-Dimensional LWIR Hyperspectral Filter Array

Spectral Sciences Inc. (SSI), in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), proposes a new approach to snapshot hyperspectral imaging (HSI), using a 2D pixelated array of Fabry-Perot cavity filters, identified as SAFIRE (Superpixel Array Filter for InfraREd).The filter will be matched to a cooled, long-wave infrared (LWIR) focal plane array (FPA) to produce three HSI dimensions (a hypercube) simultaneously in a compact,low size weight and power (SWAP) package. Radiant sensitivity will be equivalent to, or exceed that of current state-of-the-art hyerpspectral sensors. The pixelated array consists of superpixels; clusters of filter pixels spanning the spectral band-pass, arrayed in an imaging formatSSI will demonstrate fabrication and performance of the pixelated filter hybridized with a cooled LWIR FPA camera and software that supporta operation of the highest spatial resolution..The hyperspectral data is obtained at the FPA frame rate.Combined with temporal algorithms, it can be used to identify spectral/temporal signatures.Snapshot HSI sensors eliminate motion artifacts of multi-frame collection, producing complete spectra and imagery in a single frame, undistorted by temporal lag times.They are especially suited for monitoring dynamic events, including moving vehicles, drones, gaseous plumes, and artillery firing.