Hyperspectral 3-D Detector

A program to develop a novel non-scanning 3-D hyperspectral detector, demonstrated in a hyperspectral imager, is proposed. The proposed system builds upon Surface Optics' real-time hyperspectral imaging activities and develops a completely newhyperspectral imaging technique to generate a compact, rugged, low-power hyperspectral imager. Rockwell Scientific will be subcontracted on this effort to appropriately modify their newly commercialize ProCam CMOS imager for inclusion in the system. Byvirtue of the use of a low-cost CMOS imager and removal of any need for scanning as is necessary in other hyperspectral imagers, the new hyperspectral detector will be both inexpensive and compact. By building on Surface Optics Corporation's and RockwellScientific's combined decades experience in hyperspectral imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new 3-D hyperspectral detector of unsurpassed capability, with varied military andcommercial applications.Development of the 3-D hypercube detector will make hyperspectral imaging usable in applications heretofore not open to HSI due to current hyperspectral imagers' size, power, and weight. This will dramatically improve the armedservices ability to identify and destroy threats using hyperspectral imagers employing this new 3-D detector. Enhanced ability to identify friend or foe is also inherent in any hyperspectral imager based on the 3-D detector. Potential non-threat sensingapplications include remote sensing, surveillance, pollution monitoring, plume analysis, medical diagnostics, law enforcement, and industrial production control.