High Efficiency Interferometric Spectral Imaging (BMDO/00-003E-IR)

"Under this Phase I SBIR the Kestrel Corporation proposes to demonstrate a newtechnique that increases the throughput of a Fourier transform hyperspectralinterferometric imager by a factor of two while retaining the spectral and spatialresolution of the original instrument. The technique overcomes an existinglimitation in virtually all interferometric instruments by recoveringthe light lost through the beam splitter, thereby providing increased signal tonoise, improved optical efficiency, and greatly extended dynamic range. Uses inmedical imaging provides a strong base for commercial development beyond the BMDOapplications and have generated significant outside support in the form of over$100,000 in cash contributions and the potential for a $1,000,000 investment. The most promising commercial application of the high efficiency interferometricimaging technology is in the area of medical imaging, in imaging of the retina.In retinal imaging the amount of light available for analysis is quite smalldue to the 2% nominal reflectance of the retina and the limits on the amount ofillumination flux the eye can safely be exposed to. Two types of uses areexpected; screening for diabetic retinopathy and as a research device forspectral imaging of the retina."