FLEXIBLE HOLOGRAPHIC ELEMENTS FOR HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING

An excess of data is currently being obtained in hyperspectral imagery. Existing systems record the whole spectrum divided into a multiplicity of narrow bands. There is a need for a spectrally flexible system that can significantly reduce the number of bands used for each specific application. Such a system should have the capability either to individually adjust the band center wavelength and the bandwidth of each band or have the capability to switch easily between pre-designed spectral sets, optimized for each specific application. Novel solutions are offered in this proposal for producing low cost, custom designed spectral dispersive elements with flexible band centers and bandwidths. During the proposed Phase I effort, two parallel approaches will be considered, each having advantages for specific applications. If the application requires a set of narrow bands in a spectral region, but in another region can suffice with a single extra-broad band, the best approach will be to implement two pre-designed sets of dispersive elements. On the other hand, there are applications which need fine tuning of the narrow bands with moderate requirements for the bandwidth tunability. In this case, an array of individually tunalbe dispersive elements would be the best solution.