Field-Portable Reflective Spectrometer

In this study, a design will be developed for a field-portable spectroradiometer covering the 1.0-2.5 um wavelength region utilizing line array detectors. This insturment will be used for the mreasurement of the reflectances of both man-made and natural materials using ambient solar illumination. The preliminary functional requirements for this spectrometer are as follows: wavelength range from 1.0 to 2.5 um with a spectral resolution of at least 10 nm; weigh less than 10 pounds exclusive of batteries; To have a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 600:1 at 2200 nm, 30% reflectance, for a single half second integration time and 34 degree solar zenith angle as defined by the Lowtran-7 atmospheric model; To have a dynamic range sufficient to measure surface radiance at 0 degree solar zenith angle and 100% reflectance; Acquire all wavelengths simultaneously; to operate at temperatures as low as -20 degrees C; and, to be radiometrically calibrated and maintain caliabratin under field conditions. In order to test aspects of the proposed design, a breadboard instrument will be fabricated and tested. The results of these tests will be used to finalize an instrument design for fabrication in Phase II.