High-performance field-portable imaging radiometric spectrometer technology for hyperspectral imaging applications

Abstract

Standoff detection, identification and quantification of chemicals in the gaseous state are fundamental needs in several fields of applications. Additional required sensor characteristics include high sensitivity, low false alarms and high-speed (ideally real-time) operation, all in a compact and robust package. The thermal infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum has been utilized to implement such chemical sensors, either with spectrometers (with none or moderate imaging capability) or with imagers (with moderate spectral capability). Only with the recent emergence of high-speed, large format infrared imaging arrays, has it been possible to design chemical sensors offering uncompromising performance in the spectral, spatial, as well as the temporal domain. Telops has developed a novel instrument that can not only provide an early warning for chemical agents and toxic chemicals, but also one that provides a "Chemical Map" of the field of view and is man portable. To provide to best field imaging spectroscopy instrument, Telops has developed the FIRST, Field-portable Imaging Radiometric Spectrometer Technology, instrument. This instrument is based on a modular design that includes: a high performance infrared FPA and data acquisition electronics, onboard data processing electronics, a high performance Fourier transform modulator, dual integrated radiometric calibration targets, a visible boresight camera. These modules, assembled together in an environmentally robust structure, used in combination with Telops' proven radiometric and spectral calibration algorithms make this instrument a world-class passive standoff detection system for chemical imaging.