Quad channel hyperspectral imager for high speed atomic spectral characterization

A novel simultaneous multi-spectral imager will be developed to create a passive means of determining the distribution and quantity of specified metallic spieces within an explosive fireball. Narrowband observations of the spectral lines for select elements is the only passive technique that can be used to make this determination. The ability to quickly determine elemental composition of an explosive fireball is important to the primary mission of the Missle Defense Agency. Two simultaneous multi-spectral imagers will be developed using recently developed liquid crystal Fabry-Perot etalons that are tuned via an electric field. By exploiting the narrow bandwidth and high contrast of a fabry-perot these imagers will have a smaller footprint and lower cost than a comparable grating instrument, yet will have superior spectral resolution and background rejection properties. The Phase II deliverables will consist of two complete imaging systems with different spectral bandwidths, interchangeable objective lenses (for variable field of view capability), and CCD detectors.