High spatial resolution hyperspectral camera based on a linear variable filter

Abstract

A small, lightweight, and inexpensive hyperspectral camera based on a linear variable filter close to the focal plane array (FPA) is described. The use of a full-frame sensor allows large coverage with high spatial resolution at moderate spectral resolution. The spatial resolution has been maintained using a tilt/shift lens for chromatic focusing corrections. The trade-offs of positioning the filter relative to the FPA and varying the f-number have been studied. Calibration can correct for artifacts such as spectral filter variability. Reference spectra can be obtained using the same camera system by imaging targets over homogeneous areas. For textured surfaces, the different materials can be separated by using statistical methods. Accurate reconstruction of the sparse spectral image data is demonstrated.